Welcome to TiddlyWiki created by Jeremy Ruston, Copyright © 2007 UnaMesa Association
!Derek Adams
Email: delzhand (at) gmail (dot) com
Age: 25
Current Status: Computer Science undergrad, Iowa State University
Personal Belief: There are no absolutes. Everything is worth critical inspection.
!Wayne Kelley
Email: withheld pending permission
Age: 25
Current Status: English undergrad, University of Iowa
Favorite Quote: "The only remedy for love is to love more." - Henry David Thoreau
!!!Scene 1 - Aescher's Dream
Aescher faces off against shadowy hordes with the help of unknown allies. However, he faces a final shadowy figure on his own and triumphs.
!!!Scene 2 - An Errand
Aescher and Cainas go to Herstovei to replenish Eidonne's meager stock of an important herb. They are unable to obtain any, but are told to come back the next day. On the way back home, they spar for a bit in the woods.
!!!Scene 3 - Stalking Wolves
Aescher and Cainas encounter a roaming pack of wolves that have been attacking livestock. They attempt to follow them to their den, but are attacked. They fend off the wolves, but Cainas is gravely injured. Aescher goes to Herstovei in search of aid.
!!!Scene 4 - Herstovei Deserted
Aescher finds Herstovei emptied of people and valuables. The only other inhabitants are a woman named Evian and a band of bandits. Aescher raids the deserted herbalist's shop for medical supplies and tries to escape. He is attacked, but Evian helps him fend off his attackers. They return to Cainas and do their best to treat his wounds. They spend the night in the woods.
!!!Scene 5 - Home Again
The trio returns to Eidonne and find it to have suffered the same fate. They search the village for clues and find a swatch of torn black and gold cloth in some brambles. Thinking their families imprisoned at Morant's whim, they head to the seat of the dukedom in Derest to plead for their release.
!!!Scene 6 - Lesard's Court
They are granted an audience with Duke Lesard, who hears their claims out of curiosity. When he publicly dismisses their claims as outlandish, the impassioned Aescher calls him out as fool ignorant of the events in his own lands. Duke Lesard has them imprisoned in anger. He has them brought to his private office later and explains his unique position as a neutral territory of Malhaven. He agrees to investigate their claims.
!!!Scene 7 - Investigation
The trio is released from the dungeon and given a room as formal petitioners. Cainas and Aescher spar daily, but are clearly restless. Evian joins occassionally, but normally spends her time alone in the city. A week later, Lesard's investigators return and corroborate the claims. Lesard tells them that he has been swayed to Retel Odarin's cause, but that he wishes to sustain the illusion of neutrality. He appoints the trio as his messengers and gives them a sealed letter with instructions to deliver it to a magistrate in Sindren.
!!!Scene 8 - The Younger Brother
They present the message and are asked to remain in Sindren for a few days. On the third day, they are approached by a messenger of the local count, who tells them that they are to meet with his Lordship. The party is ushered to the palatial estate where they encounter the effete and haughty Alterris, Count of Sindren. He reluctantly bids them take up lodging at the manor while they await the arrival of Retel and the summit of rebel gentry. Several days pass. Rumors of war are everywhere. Finally, Retel and his compliment of soldiers arrive. They meet him and his entourage, including a venerable duke named Ascendus. Aescher feels a bit lightheaded and excuses himself while Cainas explains their story. As Aescher gets some fresh air, he is approached by Ascendus, who praises his bravery and bids him rest awhile. When he returns to the banquet table, Retel explains that their situation is not unique. He says that many small villages are being emptied and sold as slaves to fund Morant's hedonistic lifestyle. Most of the slaves go to Versain as part of the non-aggression treaty. He invites them to become a part of the movement to remove Morant from the throne, and Aescher and Cainas enthusiastically agree.
!!!Scene 9 - Resistance
Aescher and Cainas are sent on different missions in the service of the rebellion. Aescher is dispatched to a local manor to search for evidence that a certain magistrate has been selling information to Morant's loyalists, and if found, eliminate him. Cainas is made part of a group sent to remove an imperial blockade on a trade route. The group loses its captain to an ambush, but Cainas leads the remaining fighters to victory and they clear the imperial presence from the road. Evian remains in Sindren.
!!!Scene 10 - Occupation
The resistance commander receives word that Morant is sending a legion to occupy Sindren to deal with the rebellion activity and keep his brother in check. Retel makes plans to relocated to Khenar temporarily, and asks for an escort. Unsurprisingly, there are ample volunteers, but Retel chooses Aescher and Cainas. Evian requests that she not be separated from the two, and Retel acquiesces. The group goes to Khenar by ship to avoid a potential run-in with the approaching infantry. Once in Khenar, Retel retreats to the Odarin family manor there without further instruction for the party. They spend a few days trying to gather information and guage local sentiment towards Retel and find that his cause is far less sympathetic to those who live closer to the capital. They resolve to head for the capital and make the plight of the outlying towns known.
!!!Scene 11 - The Long Road to Malhaven
The road to Malhaven from Khenar takes nearly a week on foot, and along the way a bond forms between Cainas and Evian. However, Aescher suffers another dream on the first night and is plagued with doubt and depression over the loss of his mother. Tensions grow between Aescher and the other two. Closer to the capital, they are stopped at an imperial checkpoint. Cainas is recognized as part of the group that eliminated the imperial presence in Sindren, and they are taken prisoner. On the way back to the capital, the escort is ambushed by guerilla fighters loyal to Retel. Aescher, Cainas, and Evian are freed, and the guerilla captain introduces himself as Varren Melkan, an ally of Retel Odarin. They make for the capital, pursued by the survivors of the attack. They make the capital well ahead of their pursuers, and enter disguised as pilgrims to the Candidus Sanctum, the most holy of Divelne cathedrals.
!!!Scene 12 - The Grand Duke's Allies
In Malhaven Proper, Varren introduces the group to the heads of the resistance - Duke Ascendus, Salas Metron, and his own father, Duke Greiling Melkan, the most influential of Malhaven's nobility. They rejoin the ranks of the underground movement and take a few days to get accustomed to the city. Cainas goes to Candidus Sanctum to pray for guidance, and is approached by Judecai of Azakair. Judecai tells him that the Gaz Uhlmar are looking for strong men to join the Fal'Harain. Cainas declines his offer, and is puzzled later when Aescher tells him that contradicts what he learned at the church - that Fal'Harain are chosen before age ten. Thinking Judecai a charlatan, he puts it out of his mind. Salas receives a message that declares a resistance meeting Retel himself will be attending.
!!!Scene 13 - A Plot Uncovered
Retel and Duke Melkan are both present at the meeting. Retel makes it known that Morant has once again sent the Knights Tenebrae to the outlying villages of Malhaven. Incensed, Aescher requests a squad of fighters to help him track them down. Retel declines his request, saying that there would be no way to scour the entire southwest of Malhaven in time to find and stop them. Instead, he asks for a direct attack on the throne. Aescher volunteers without hesitation, along with Cainas and Varren. Plans are made for an assassination attempt, to take place in two weeks.
!!!Scene 14 - Calm Before the Storm
Pondering the great task ahead, Cainas returns to Candidus Sanctum for guidance. He again encounters Judecai, and confronts him about the inconsistency. Judecai tells him that Fal'Harain, especially those of rank, are not always taken from youth, and that the Uhlmar's eyes and ears have reported his bravery and skill to the mage-deities. Cainas insists that he is a devout man, but has no intent to join the church's armed force, and leaves.
Aescher spends the time leading to the plan mourning his mother and searching for information in Malhaven's great libraries. He makes it his purpose to learn as much about the world outside of Malhaven as possible, so that he can attempt to find her once he has taken revenge. At Aescher's request, Varren tutors him in several areas, especially politics and the ways of nobility.
Evian pores over the maps of Malhaven and the imperial castle and helps to plan the attempt. Salas makes several changes based on her keen observations, and makes contact with a few supporters within the castle walls.
!!!Scene 15 - A Fierce Battle
On the night of the assassination, the three men meet up in a slum and enter Malhaven's underground waterways. They find their way into the castle courtyard and are forced to fight past a slew of guards on a non-standard patrol route. As they continue through the palace, they encounter far more soldiers than planned for, but overcome the obstacles. When they reach Morant's personal chambers, they find him fully armed and ready. Heated words are exchanged, and swords are drawn. During the fight, Morant displays uncanny skill, and despite their combined efforts, the group cannot injure him. Morant blinds Varren with a handful of Egleth Ash, a flammable powder made for defense by the heretic priests of Dinaved. Cainas and Aescher continue the fight alone, but cannot overpower the emperor. Morant beats them both into unconsciousness. The victorious emperor elects to spare the trio and has them cast into the vast oubliette below the palace.
''END ACT I''
!!!Scene 1 - Rêvemeurs Oubliette
Ascendus arrives in the darkness of the oubliette with a compliment of Knights Sepelio. The knights, eager to prove themselves against Knights Tenebrae, find themselves in close combat instead with crazed inmates and savage beasts. Beset on all sides, the Knights fight their way through the maze of corridors, searching for the imprisoned would-be assassins. When Aescher is found, Ascendus commands retreat, leaving Cainas and Varren to their own devices.
!!!Scene 2 - Searching
Varren and Cainas awaken in Rêvemeurs Obliette and search for Aescher. Fearing the worst, they devise a plan to escape.
!!!Scene 3 - Escape
//Right now, I have no clue how they're going to get out of Rêvemeurs...//
!!!Scene 4 - Resolution
Aescher awakens in Ascendus' manor in southwestern Malhaven. He promises to train Aescher in swordsmanship. During his first lesson, Ascendus wounds Aescher's right arm, forcing him to fight left handed with a different sword. Although initially clumsy, he gives his whole attention to the training, and Ascendus explains that killing Morant alone won't end tyranny. He speaks of rooting out corruption wherever it lies, and Aescher agrees to follow Ascendus instructions without question.
!!!Scene 5 - Judecai, Father
Cainas receives a letter from Judecai that Evian is safely in his care. He rushes to Candidus Sanctum to meet her, and finds Judecai is using her as a bargaining chip for his cooperation with the Uhlmar. His tone is more assertive, and he leads Cainas to believe that he is his father. Cainas steadfastly refuses him, but cannot decide whether or not to believe his claims of fatherhood. Judecai eventually gives up and releases Evian to his care. Clear of the church, Evian recounts her tale of being assaulted the night of the assassination attempt, and that she was rescued by the Fal'Harain and turned over to Judecai.
!!!Scene 6 - Acts of War
As a test of his dedication, Ascendus appoints Aescher to the task of eliminating the weakest of Morant's supporters, Duke Machand of Westmarch. The citizenry there is divided, and without a strong royalist leader, the balance of power will shift to the local mayors and counts, many of whom are sympathetic to Retel's cause. Aescher goes to Westmarch and performs his task, though it proves to be bloody work. By the time he returns to Ascendus' manor, rumors are already circulating about a swordsman more fearful than the Fal'Harain.
!!!Scene 7 - Civil War
Cainas relocates the resistance core forces to a city in western Galterre. Count Alterris of Sindren, the nephew of Duke Glynnd, is a useful ally, despite his disdain for Cainas and his obvious incompetence. He publicly humiliates his uncle... ...and in a fit of rash decision making, Glynnd moves the lion's share of his forces to the Tercían border. Duchess Corlin perceives this move as a power grab and amasses a large portion of her troops to meet them. Cainas and Varren take up the task of preventing peacekeeping communication and fostering dissent among the troops. Eventually, a crucial missive in intercepted and destroyed by Cainas, and fighting breaks out on the border. After the fighting subsides, Cainas visits the remaining captains on both sides and convinces them that they should not die for the petty injustices of the "noble" class. This message spreads quickly, and the imperial forces experience a mass desertion, while Retel's resistance swells. Retel praises Cainas for bolstering their forces while not directly involving their limited manpower in the fighting.
!!!Scene 8 -
Occurs when Isa reaches level 5
AESCHER: I think you should rest.
ISA: I'm not injured, just tired. You don't get to stop when you're tired.
AESCHER: The limits of my endurance are... different. You're nearly at your limit. I don't want you to get hurt.
ISA: Touching.
AESCHER: Sincere, too. You really don't have to do this. You've been lucky so far, but all it takes it one misstep, and you could die.
ISA: I'm not doing this to prove anything to you.
AESCHER: I know - you've told me as much. But you asked me what it was like to live in the heat of battle, and when I told you that you couldn't understand without experiencing it, I wasn't suggesting you join us.
ISA: No, you're right. You didn't. You just came into my world and upended it completely. You really don't get it?
AESCHER: Get what?
ISA: You didn't ask me, you forced me! What else am I going to do? It's not safe for me with Gustave, I don't have any family, I certainly can't seek refuge in the church, knowing what I do...
AESCHER: But you don't have to put your life on the line. You could start a new life in Malhaven, Versain, Sevesel... anywhere.
ISA: To what end? You and your companions are trying to prevent this... walking calamity you call Vocifel from destroying... what? Anything he pleases? If what you told me of his actions in Malhaven wasn't exaggerated, then how could I try to build a new life when it could be destroyed any day? You want me to live constantly in fear that no matter how hard I work, disaster beyond all knowing could take it away without a thought?
AESCHER: Is that your reason for coming along?
ISA: Yes!
AESCHER: And?
ISA: And what?
AESCHER: You had this look in your eyes like you were going to say something else.
ISA: Please, let's not talk any more. You're right, I could use a rest. Maybe Malek or Salas could take my place for a bit?
AESCHER:
A) I'm willing to listen more...
B) You're right - let me know when you feel rested.
DIALOG A (No affection gain)
AESCHER: I'm willing to listen if you want to talk.
ISA: I already told you, I'm really not. Please, just leave me be.
AESCHER: If you have something -
ISA: You've never been in a relationship, have you?
AESCHER: Relationship?
ISA: Sometimes, when a person doesn't want to talk, it means they are thinking things they'd rather not say, because it could hurt both involved.
AESCHER: Are we in a relationship?
ISA: Goodbye, Aescher. I'll come find you when I've gotten some rest.
DIALOG B (affection gain)
AESCHER: Alright. Let me know if you'd like to go out again.
ISA: Thank you.
ISA: ...Am I helping, really?
AESCHER: Honestly, you're something of a liability in combat.
ISA: I was afraid of that.
AESCHER: But you are helping me. Watching out for you helps keep my mind off of other things - things I'd rather not think about. I don't have a lot to be joyful about these days, but seeing you learn makes me remember my first days with a sword, and that's... worth a lot to me.
ISA: Even if it costs you your life?
AESCHER: If I die in combat, well... I guess I can stop worrying about Vocifel, can't I?
ISA: Let's not find out.
| Age: 22 | [img[http://delzhand.public.iastate.edu/images/AescherPortrait.jpg]]|
| Height: 6'0" |~|
| Weight: 159 lbs |~|
| Eyes: Blue |~|
| Hair: Red |~|
!!!Special Note
At the start of the game, the player chooses Aescher's gender. I use the male pronoun for simplicity.
!!!Background
Aescher is the herbalist of Eidonne and defender of the village alongside Cainas. He runs the herb shop with his mother. While physically fit, he is prone to occassional fevers and sleepless nights. His foster brother and best friend is Cainas, and he is younger by a little over a year. As Eidonne is barely large enough to attract attention, he spends most of his time honing his sword skills and practicing his herbcraft, though his true love is cartography. He possesses excellent reflexes, making him Cainas' peer in swordplay despite Cainas' strength. He is amazingly dedicated to any cause he takes up, and loves his mother dearly.
!!!Appearance
Aescher is a lean but fit young man of average height and weight. Although there are very few women his age in Eidonne, female villagers of any age have always been quick to point out what an attractive man he is. He has chin length hair has a dark red color, and is usually a little untidy. He is naturally athletic and took to the sword at a young age - it was at his insistence that Cainas did so as well. He normally wears a red and blue shirt made by his mother along with many-pocketed brown pants.
!!!Development
As the lead character, Aescher experiences more emotional turmoil than any other character in the game. Early in the game, he experiences the loss of his mother. He clings to hope that she still lives, although as he gets involved with the resistance, he loses sight of why he joined. Eventually, during his grooming at [[Ascendus]]' hands to be an assassin, he rejects all that he has done and starts seeking her again. It is during this journey that his powers manifest for the first time. Alone and confused, he rationalizes it as a product of the circumstances under which it occurred. Throughout the game, he struggles with the meaning of the power, and his search for his mother becomes a focal point that he fixates on to keep from losing himself to it. Although not the case initially, Isa eventually becomes a pillar of support (provided the player chooses to have her in the party), and acts as a humanizing force to counteract Ascendus' drive to keep Aescher divorced from emotion. A strong bond is formed between them - whether it can be called love is debatable, but there is undoubtedly a passion between them. If Isa is not in the party, the final events of the game take a decidedly darker tone.
!!!Abilities
Aescher is skilled with a sword, and many of his abilities reflect this. Various sword arts and skills that increase critical/reversal/dodge chance round out his technique list. He learns Seraphic magic at a greatly accelerated rate, and Khardari magic very slowly.
<<slider ID [[Spoiler 1]] Spoiler>>
!!!Powers
<<slider ID [[Spoiler 2]] Spoiler>>
!!!Skill:
Herbalism allows the party to find herbs in field zones. High skill allows the party to recover more herbs when picking, and reveals more detail about the herb found. In addition, Herbalism also appears on the game menu. This menu allows Aescher (or any party member who is learning Herbalism from him) to combine herbs and create items with various effects. Created items may recover health, heal wounds, or prevent status effects. Aescher begins the game with this skill. Other characters can only increase this skill while Aescher is in the party, but can use the Herbalism menu command at their skill level regardless.
!!!Armor
Aescher does not receive many equipment upgrades. He gains a leather jacket early in the game, and later on he receives a close fitting outfit that increases his reflexes. As all playable characters, he has two "weather" outfits: a loose fitting set of desert gear which includes a light colored cloak and turban-like head wrapping, and a heavily padded set of arctic gear.
!!!Weapon
Aescher begins the game with a Simple Longsword. When he begins training under Ascendus, he receives a Balanced Longsword. In Azakair, he can accept a sidequest to gain an Azakiri Jaln (a straight, single edged longblade). During the battle with Vocifel, he receives his final weapon, the Pennatus Aeternus. The Aeternus is not a sword, strictly speaking, but a religious symbol. It grants Aescher a significant attack bonus.
!!!Other Images
[[Aescher Image 1 | http://delzhand.public.iastate.edu/images/pc_aescher1_sk01.jpg]]
[[Aescher Image 2 | http://delzhand.public.iastate.edu/images/2007-05-11.png]]
A geographic formation in the north part of [[Malhaven]].
A culture of people living in [[Dinaved]]. They have much in common with the [[Rhysin]] and [[Stihli]] in terms of ancestry, but ancient disputes over land and customs have divided them from them.
The name of the valley where [[Caelusel]], the [[Firstborn]], came to reckon the power of creation, and brought into being the first [[Seraphim]]. The idyllic enclosure was seen by few others save Caelusel, as he denied entrance to all after the issue of their [[keter’lebn]]. The entirety of the valley was enclosed within the citadel of [[Gara Noctur]], and around it was built a magnificent dais, a miles-wide structure of inimitable opulence constructed to house the sanctified ground. Caelusel shielded the valley itself, the whole of which was considered to be the holy throne of the Firstborn, with a veil of luminous cloth, woven from magic of his own design, and through which none but he could safely pass.
After the [[Cataclysm of the Leviathan]], and the fall of the Seraphim, the citadel crumbled, though it is thought that a portion of the mighty structure still remains somewhere amongst the crags of the [[Ruined Sea]], and it is likely that, if this is so, the dais and the valley survived.
Second [[Khand]]. Like a father to [[Judecai of Azakair]].
Mountain range in [[Ausbreitung]]. Within it is the [[Enigma]]. Home to dozens of species of predatory beasts. Uninhabited by humans.
The imperial palace of [[Malhaven]].
Age: Unknown
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 157 lbs
Eyes: Grey
Hair: Grey
!!!Background
Ascendus is a [[Malhaven]] politician. He works with the [[Resistance]] and appears to support [[Retel Odarin]]'s claim to the throne. His dukedom is in the southwest of Malhaven, and is not particularly large.
<<gradient vert #333 #333>>@@color:white;SPOILER ALERT (HIGHLIGHT TO READ)@@No one in Malhaven can conjure an accurate idea of how or when Ascendus came to be a part of Malhaven's political scene. Other dukes dismiss it as faulty recordkeeping, and the citizens care to little to investigate. In actuality, Ascendus is one of the last of the [[Lesser Seraphim]]. He was bound at birth to [[Vigilel]], and takes on many of his Elder's traits. He attempts to maintain order and remain emotionally cold. At the moment when [[Aescher Darcuris]] was conceived, Ascendus felt a change in the balance of seraphic power, and seeks him out mainly as a curiosity.>>
!!!Appearance
Ascendus appears to be in his fifties, but his body seems resistance to the ravages of age. He is still quite fit, and as skilled with a sword as ever. He wears a regal outfit consisting of a long white coat with intricately embroidered sleeves. His shoulder length grey hair is flat and straight, and his face is usually a creased, emotionless mask.
!!!Development
<<gradient vert #333 #333>>@@color:white;SPOILER ALERT (HIGHLIGHT TO READ)@@Remaining as he has for these long centuries, Ascendus changes very little, though he does realize with dawning horror Aescher's true nature. While he seems completely free of emotion, he does reveal to [[Isa Milan]] in private moments that he cares for Aescher like a grandson. Inside the [[Silentium]], Ascendus reveals the truth about the [[Seraphim]], and during the battle with [[Vocifel]] we see a rare glimpse at his barely concealed vitriol towards the [[Elder]].>>
!!!Abilities
Ascendus is a consummate warrior. His offensive abilities consist of magic-enhanced sword techniques and abilities which nullify, counteract, and punish beneficial effects. He has some defensive techniques that recover health immediately, making him an invaluable member of any combat party.
!!!Powers
<<gradient vert #333 #333>>@@color:white;SPOILER ALERT (HIGHLIGHT TO READ)@@Ascendus is a Lesser Seraphim, and so has a few low level seraphic spells at his disposal right off the bat. He gains Seraphic and Khandari affinity with equal speed, but he starts out with a significant bonus of Seraphic affinity.>>
!!!Skill
Ascendus' skill is Arcana. Arcana appears in the Herbalism menu as an option once a character has learned it. Arcana allows a party member to take a recovery item crafted by Herbalism and infuse it with arcane energy, creating a similar item with quartered or halved usage time and effect. Ascendus begins the game with this skill, but cannot teach it until a certain point.
!!!Armor
Ascendus does not receive any armor upgrades during the game, with the exception of desert and arctic gear available to all characters.
!!!Weapon
Ascendus wields a Azakiri Jaln at the beginning of the game. In the Silentium he finds a corrupted Sword of Vigilance. His endgame weapon is the cleansed Sword of Vigilance.
First Emperor of Malhaven.
Frozen north. Uninhabited by humans. Home to many predatory and unnatural beasts. Home of the [[Seraphim]] in old times. Location of [[Arctur]], area beyond the mountains where the [[Enigma]] is located. Also the location of the [[Silentium]].
The ancestral home of the Machand dynasty in the [[Westmarch]] dukedom of [[Malhaven]].
Home of the [[Meshti]], plains dwellers. Mostly flat lands with ore-rich mountains and vast lakes. Unparalleled in the art of weaponsmithing. Azakair blades fetch top dollar, no matter what the market is. Meshti value honor above all else and revere the legendary beast that destroyed the western portion of the continent long ago. Original homeland of Judecai.
One of the many beast gods of the ancient world. Azhdaha was a massive snake-like creature that dwelt in the marshes of southern [[Dinaved]]. The creature was legend in its time, said to be so poisonous that its very presence killed all but the most stalwart of lifeforms. It was slain after a fierce battle by the war [[Seraphim]], [[Vocifel]].
The historic name of the bay between the capital city of [[Versain]] and the [[Malhaven]] ports of [[Khenar]] and [[Sindren]]. It has been, for the last generation, referred to as the [[Bay of Splinters]].
Named such due to the amount of shipwrecks washed ashore during the incessant naval battles between [[Malhaven]] and [[Versain]]. For other information, see [[Bay of Davorir]].
[[Versain]] Elite troops. Known for their piecemeal armor and brutal efficiency. Led by [[Malek DeNain]], although there is no internal hierarchy. Their military actions are most efficient, though in recent peace, they have been at best a band of wayfaring brigands and at worst a threat to shaky relationship between Versain and Malhaven. They have been chastised on more than one occasion by the [[Versain High Ministry]].
The agreement by which the [[Gaz Uhlmar]] came to power. It was bartered to transfer [[Khand]]'s immortality and power to the Uhlmar in exchange for the release from his unending life.
The massive palace of the [[Gaz Uhlmar]], located on the island of [[Khandar]].
De facto capital of the world, center of global trade. Ruled by 12 politically warring clans. Oligarchy. Built into crater shaped depression, tower at center houses currently ruling lord.
The being Caelusel is at once the most important and least understood of all the figures in the world's long history. Emerging from a point deep within the hidden hills of [[Arctur]] (or so it was intimated by Caelusel himself, to the [[Seraphim]] scribe, [[Ohmael]]), Caelusel wandered the land and sea for a long age, unaware of himself or his great power. Whether he was searching for something or simply relieving his curiosity in seeking out the world's wonders is not known. What is known is that, in a time long before the nations of man rose from the scatter of savage tribesmen that dotted the Earth, Caelusel came upon a valley high in the titan mountain ranges in the lands west of modern day [[Azakair]], a place he named [[Amul’ghan]]. It was here that Caelusel meditated for time unknowable and entered into a long sleep. When he awoke, he had been joined by three others who bore his likeness in stature and form. They were Ohmael, [[Luminel]], and [[Vigilel]]. Caelusel endowed these new Seraphim with sentience and a portion of his own divine power with an act known as the [[keter’lebn]], the breath of life. From that time forward, Caelusel was known amongst the Seraphim as the [[Firstborn]].
The Firstborn's first task was to erect a mighty citadel, a temple to his own greatness, a shield against the ravages of time, and a sanctum for all of his creations. With the aid of his growing following (for often during this time Caelusel would return to Amul’ghan, only to emerge with new Seraphim), the Firstborn constructed the massive citadel of [[Gara Noctur]], the largest city in known history. At its heart lay the dais of the Firstborn, and within, enshrined forever against all trespassers, the valley of Amul'ghan, the whole of which would serve as Caelusel's great throne, veiled from the eyes of all but the [[Elder]].
Caelusel's reign spanned many untold centuries, and it was the whole of the world that answered to his call for fealty. No war was ever fought, and no tribute ever asked, but it was known amongst all who walked the Earth in those times that the lord of Gara Noctur was the sole strength in not just his own land, but all lands. The only creatures that ever dismissed Caelusel's power were the beings older still than he, the beast gods of the ancient world, gargantuan abstractions of flesh that dominated the land and demanded worship in rites of blood. Of these creatures, Caelusel is known to have feared only one, the titan god of the continent of [[Phyras]], [[Khand]]. It is thought that the Firstborn grappled once with the being and thereafter fled from his presence. What took place during this battle is unknown, for Ohmael does not speak of it in his writings, only that the Firstborn created the Elder Seraph, [[Vocifel]], shortly afterward.
After many thousands of years, Caelusel's purpose seemed to waver. Vocifel's strength had brought an end to all the beast gods save two: Khand, and the dormant sea beast, the [[Leviathan]]. Filled with terrifying rage at the failure of Vocifel to destroy his great enemy, the Firstborn stripped the war seraph of his duties and left the citadel. During this absence, the first of many to come (it is opined by Ohmael that the Firstborn sought the means to destroy Khand), Caelusel came upon the [[Enigma]] in the deepest tract of Arctur. It was here that he first encountered a power alien to his own; this was a place that not even his strength could penetrate. All thought of Khand and the slumbering Leviathan left his mind, his purpose now devoted solely to the study of this most frightening of devices.
Unable to approach the Enigma, Caelusel sought to attain its secrets by approaching it from beneath, and so built a citadel in [[Ausbreitung]], the place that would be known as the [[Silentium]]. At once a hermitage and prison, the Silentium was soon tainted by the dark energies of the Enigma, and the whole of the interior remains altered by unnatural magics, owing to its proximity to the ancient device. For hundreds of years, Caelusel remained within the chapel at the heart of the mountain, studying and coaxing from the vortex brief understandings of the void beyond.
During this time, the Firstborn was observed by the warrior races of the northern sprawl, most ardently three powerful mages, who united their tribes in an effort to seize from the Firstborn the trappings of his immeasurable power. It is thought that the mages, who would later be known as the [[Magi of Ausbreitung]], were unable to acquire an audience with Caelusel, who sealed the walls of the Silentium to all but his hand, and instead pursued other means by which to aspire to the immortality of the Seraphim.
Caelusel only returned to Gara Noctur a handful of times in his last millennium of rule, most famously to admonish the traitors Vocifel and [[Serai]] and imprison them deep within the Silentium, where he alone would stand as their jailor. At this time, filled with rage at the death of [[Septimel]], the Firstborn used his knowledge of the Enigma to craft from the stones of Amul'ghan the [[Tribunal]], three automatons imbued with the keter'lebn and endowed with the power to reign in his stead. Vigilel especially disliked this turn of events, but was rebuked by Caelusel with great fury, and the remaining Elder took heed of this and submitted to the Tribunal's authority.
The last time Caelusel set foot in his capital, the mood of his people had greatly changed. Ohmael writes, "The Firstborn came among us, his countenance changed; his face is not the face that greeted our births. His hours are spent in solitude, and the veil is closed to us, and none know his mind. Luminel, whose presence alone is tolerated, has told him of the words of the Magi, but the Firstborn says nothing, and we await the doom that stirs beneath the sea."
It is known that shortly after his final appearance in Gara Noctur, Caelusel returned to the Silentium, where, after many years of patient study, his madness was achieved, and he attained the secret to the great void. However, in his zeal, he forgot Vocifel and Serai, who set upon him in ambush as he unlocked the Enigma's power. Unable to fend off his attackers and control the vortex, the Firstborn was cast into the void, and his light forever left the world.
Age: 22
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 170 lbs
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Brown
!!!Background
Cainas is a defender of Eidonne, and something of a community leader. He protects the village from the occassional wolf or bandit, and helps mediate disputes in the mayor's absence. He is well liked by the villagers, and it is expected that the current mayor will pass on his responsibilities to him. Hardworking and loyal, Cainas is more than willing to put the needs of others before his own.
!!!Appearance
Cainas is a broad shouldered, well muscled young man. He stands slightly taller than average, and has straight, confident posture. His usual clothing is a sleeveless, hooded green shirt and plain trousers. When training or venturing out from town, he wears a pair of leather bracers that end in fingerless gloves. On his left tricep he has a tattoo of a blazing sun inscribed with a sword. His hair is short and usually brushed forward and up, out of his face. He has a neatly trimmed beard along his slightly squared but handsome jawline, but no moustache.
!!!Development
Cainas is a well rounded character - he adapts quickly to change and is quick to take charge of a situation. Because of this, he may seem less emotional than Aescher, but this makes him a bit more reliable. He is slow to anger, and takes his time when making difficult decisions. This makes other characters naturally inclined to rely on him as a source of advice and support. He is very trusting, however, and this makes him slightly susceptible to deception, and he forgives quickly - almost to a fault.
!!!Abilities
Cainas has a solid array of offensive techniques that inflict effects like knockdown and disarm. He has a few support skills that decrease damage taken and increase the damage of allies. He learns Khandari magic extremely fast, but is slow to pick up Seraphic magic.
<<slider ID [[Spoiler 3]] Spoiler>>
!!!Powers
<<slider ID [[Spoiler 4]] Spoiler>>
!!!Skill
Tactics is Cainas' skill. Tactics provides a direct bonus to physical damage reduction, reversal chance, and disarm resistance. Cainas begins the game with this skill and can teach it immediately to any other character. Characters can increase this skill whether or not Cainas is in the party, but cannot increase its level.
!!!Armor
After the first act, Cainas receives a suit of Commander's Armor that provides a decent bonus to damage reduction. As part of a sidequest, he can obtain the Mantle of Khand, which increase both defense and offense. He also gains standard hot and cold weather gear.
!!!Weapon
Cainas starts the game with a Simple Longsword. During his actions in the resistance, he obtains a Steel Greatsword. In Azakair, he can perform a sidequest to get an Azakiri Vexeta (a type of zweihander with a spatulate tip). When he finally accepts Judecai's request, he receives the Khandrazen, a sword cut from the femur of [[Khand]].
!!!Other Images
[[Cainas Image 1 | http://delzhand.public.iastate.edu/images/pc_cainas1_sk01.jpg]]
[[Cainas Image 2 | http://delzhand.public.iastate.edu/images/pc_cainas2_sk01.jpg]]
CAINAS: Every time I learn something new about the seraphim, they seem less divine.
ASCENDUS: Divine? You misunderstand, Khand.
CAINAS: Please don't call me that.
ASCENDUS: You illustrate the point I'm about to make. Names are just collections of sounds. For my understanding, Caelusel chose the name seraphim for the beings he created. It's not particularly accurate. He may as well have called them dragons, or some other creature of fantasy.
CAINAS: So the seraphim aren't actually angels?
ASCENDUS: Most certainly not. A more accurate term may have been "sorcerer". The magic we command is the only thing that separates us from man. We are still creatures of flesh and blood, we wound as easily as any man.
CAINAS: But you don't die.
ASCENDUS: We don't die of old age, no. But if you were to run me though, I would most certainly die.
AESCHER: What about Vocifel? Is the same true of him?
ASCENDUS: It is.
AESCHER: That's a relief.
ASCENDUS: Then you do not understand the situation.
CAINAS: You lay nothing but torment at my feet. I would give the whole of my life to avoid this mantle.
Judecai: And you will, Cainas. You will render into their hands the whole of your life.
CAINAS: I have some choice in the matter.
Judecai: Do you?
CAINAS: Yes, I think I have.
Judecai: How... little I understand. Six hundred years, Cainas. Six centuries and I know nothing. You may have a choice in these doings. I cannot say. I was not presented with options. Always with me it has been duty.
CAINAS: You've never faltered?
Judecai: Never is a more boundless claim than you may realize. But no, I have not always remained true to the cause. There was once. One moment of terror. A passage of memory trapped in time.
CAINAS: How was it that you fell away?
Judecai turns his back.
Judecai: I can almost see them, Cainas. I can almost touch them. When I come here, I can close my eyes and hold them close to my chest, and they can know at last that I love them.
CAINAS: Who is it that you see?
Judecai: My father. My brother and his sons. My sister, who went so soon from us. I can see her, too. Young and brave and frightened, her eyes the color of stormclouds, her hair flaxon and soft. I can see her shivering with fear, her side pierced with an arrow, and I can see those stormy eyes dulled, and her body limp, and I can hear my father weeping.
CAINAS: It must have hurt terribly, to lose everyone.
Judecai: Only now, when it was passed me by, do I yearn for a simple life. It is only now that I long for those who have passed on. I lived the spring of my long sojourn as a boy, on the plains of Azakair. It was a good life - quiet, bucolic, unknowing. My people, the Meshti, were simple folk. Honor, you see, was our currency. A man without honor was a man who had died. He could regain his life and honor through service to his brethren. So it was, and will ever be. And when my time came when my years numbered a hundred and twenty, my body unmarred by time for some eighty of those years, I was at last shunned. I had struck a pact with the old gods, they said. I had paid for the length of my life with the blood of children, they said. My crime was beyond them, beyond any honor my life had earned. And so, under threat of torture and pains of death, I departed. Had I the knowledge then of my affliction, I may have let them attempt their petty exorcism, if only to see their faces when I refused to die.
CAINAS: Did you ever return?
Judecai: Yes.
CAINAS: And?
Judecai: Men do not change, Cainas. Their fear is as essential as their breath.
CAINAS: They drove you away.
Judecai: My life is legend, myth. To them, I am Kizunoru, a demon to be feared. At that moment, having returned home after two lives of men, I gave in to despair. I resolved to end my life, and thus defy both the gods of the earth and the unseen gods. I spited Antemon, who had used his guile to seduce me, and hated him for his request, even as I loved him like a son to a father. And so, in the shadow of the mountains, mere miles from the place of my birth, I fell upon my sword.
CAINAS: But you still live. What happened?
Judecai turns back to face CAINAS.
Judecai: The blade broke on my skin. No weapon could pierce me. No fire could burn me. I cast myself into the sea. Though I sunk like a stone, and saltwater filled my lungs, I would not die.
CAINAS: What did you do?
Judecai: I returned here, did what Antemon bade me do, and then wept for what seemed an age. And then I set out, and began my search.
CAINAS: For me.
Judecai: For you.
CAINAS: How... how can I... how can you expect me to volunteer for this? How can you tell me all of these horrors and hope for me to accept your proposition.
Judecai: Pity.
CAINAS: I don't understand.
Judecai: All I ask of you is what my former asked of me. I only ask that you do for me what I did for Antemon so many years past, on this very ground.
CAINAS: Judecai...
Judecai: Kill me, Cainas.
CAINAS: This can't be real.
Judecai: I assure you that it is. It is your hand alone that can give me peace.
CAINAS: No. No, I won't. You can't be serious.
Judecai: These long years I searched for you, not at the Uhlmar's bidding, but so that you might do me this kindness.
CAINAS: And what of me, Judecai? If I am the Fourth, if I am the last, who then will do me this "kindness"?
Judecai: I beg of you, Cainas. End my torment.
CAINAS: Answer me, Judecai! Who will remain to end mine?
Judecai: Take my sword. Take it, and hew from my flesh your birthright.
Judecai thrusts the Khandrazen hilt first towards CAINAS.
CAINAS: No!
Judecai: Take it!
CAINAS: No, Judecai. You will continue. You will live.
CAINAS begins to walk away.
Judecai: No! You will not do me this injustice!
CAINAS continues to walk.
Judecai: Know this, Cainas. If pressed, I will do what is necessary to gain your cooperation. Since before your birth, I have loved you as I would love a son, and because of my love, I have spared your woman. I have spared your friends. I have leant quarter to them dozens of times. Refuse me now, and my mercy shall end.
CAINAS stops walking.
Judecai approaches him, and again extends the Khandrazen hilt first.
CAINAS takes the sword.
Judecai: Please, Cainas, Send me home. Let me look again upon the face of my sister, upon the face of my brother and his sons. Let me embrace my father, and hold him close to my chest and know at last that I love him. Please, my son. Send me home.
CAINAS: I have no father.
CAINAS drops the sword.
CAINAS: And you have no son.
The ruling body of the [[Divelne]] church, centered in [[Malhaven Proper]].
The central church of [[Malhaven]]. A grand and towering alabaster cathedral. Receives visitors from all over the country and is protected by a small number of [[Fal'Harain]]. It is a [[Divelne]] church.
The event during which the [[Leviathan]] awakened briefly, destroying [[Gara Noctur]] and causing the extinction of the [[Seraphim]]. The seismic effect of this event is what transformed western [[Azakair]] into the [[Ruined Sea]].
This is another term for the throne of [[Malhaven]], an ornate black chair with carvings and depressions; it is thought that there were once a great deal of precious stones set in these circular depressions, but were removed during the nation’s conversion from [[Egleth]] to [[Divelne]], as the flagrant display of finery was considered, at the time, a sign of impiety; this is also a general term for the office of the ruling party of Malhaven, and is used to denote the government that directly surrounds the emperor.
!!!Player Characters
[[Aescher Darcuris]] :: [[Cainas Delzhand]] :: [[Evian Morgana]] :: [[Varren Melkan]] :: [[Ascendus]]
!!!Support Characters
[[Salas Metron]] :: [[Clayes Nar]] :: [[Isa Milan]] :: [[Judecai of Azakair]] :: [[Malek DeNain]]
!!!Non Player Characters
[[Mara Darcuris]]
[[Senna Delzhand]]
[[Morant Odarin]]
[[Retel Odarin]]
[[Veld Odarin]]
[[Ulsin Dezen]]
[[Ulsin Ternach]]
[[Ulsin Marae]]
[[Gustave]]
[[Nahrek]]
!!!Malhaven Nobility
[[Duke Greiling Melkan]]
[[Duke Lesard]]
[[Duke Machand]]
[[Duchess Corlin]]
[[Duke Glynnd]]
[[Count Alterris]]
[[Duke Herrenin]]
!!!Historical Figures
[[Evenan Ferrengard]]
[[Aureus Odarin]]
[[Emperor Saimon Odarin]]
[[Antemon]]
[[Ptoloseca]]
The families that control all commerce and law in [[Cabal]].
Clayes is the head of Versain's intelligence, making him Evian's superior. Evian's talent for deception is surpassed by his, and at one point in the game, he writes has a letter sent to her that leads her to believe he had feelings for her but was killed in combat. The letter, meant to inspire Evian in her attempts on Retel's life, is fictitious. Though he acts kind, he is actually excessively cold and calculating.
[[Elder]] seraphim. Keeper of the Peace
[[What is Ardor?]]
[[Themes]]
[[Genre]]
[[Pitch]]
[[About the creators]]
Political Head: [[Duke Lesard]]
Seat: Derest
Population: 5%
Other Nobility (and Jurisdiction): None
Cities of Note: Derest*
Average Standard of Living: Subsistence
Resources: Moderate timber
Political Sentiment: Neutral with anti-imperial leanings
*Eidonne and Herstovei are located in Cordine, but whether they are of note in the imperial scheme is debatable.
The scheming, greedy, and somewhat incompetent nephew of [[Duke Glynnd]]. Count of [[Sindren]]. Has a distinct disdain for the "lower" classes, even those who have obtained recognition based on merit.
Political Head: [[Duke Herrenin]]
Seat:
Population: 12%
Other Nobility: Various unnamed
Cities of Note: Various unnamed
Average Standard of Living: Middle class/subsistence
Resources: Heavy mining
Political Sentiment: Royalist gentry, divided citizenry with royalist leanings
Dukedom in [[Malhaven]]. Seat of [[Duke Lesard]]. Contains [[Eidonne]], [[Herstovei]], and the city of Derest.
The nation of Dinaved, located in the south of [[Eadra]], is in truth a loosely united confederation of principalities all pledging fealty to a single ruler, or [[Pendechon]]. Because of the traditionally fundamentalist [[Egleth]] faith of the populace, the Pendechon carries little actual authority, as any recognition higher than that of the [[Gaz Uhlmar]] would consititute a grave blasphemy. As such, the Pendechon instead presides over a college of princes, known as the [[Meclisel]], who meet annually to discuss treaties, war, and to settle disputes, but the so-called monarch wields little political power when it comes to the day to day business of governance.
Dinaved is separated into eight traditional nations, ruled by powerful families who, together, represent the true power in the country. These are [[Yildizlarin]], [[Gunesin]], and [[Izmarit]] in the west, [[Prachat]] in the north, and [[Vorhut]], [[Bewaal]], and [[Altern]] in the east, with the tiny [[Fotia]] occupying the low country near the sea in the south. Unbeknownst to much of the rest of the world, Dinaved is a sharply divided nation, held together only by their common religious beliefs. Protected by the prohibitive [[Versa Mountains]] to the north, and the sea by all other sides, Dinaved has often collapsed into savage civil war. The most recent of these conflicts occurred just prior to the death of [[Malhaven]]'s [[Emperor Saimon Odarin]], and was a bloody affair that threatened to forever destroy the unity of the nation. It was only spelled by the accession of [[Morant Odarin]] to the throne of Malhaven. Dinaved's hated enemy had long been occupied with the fugitive republic of [[Versain]], but Morant's alliance with the mountain country inspired the Meclisel to call for peace and prepare for what they perceive as inevitable invasion.
Dinaved's most pertinent issue is one of ethnicity. It's populace is sharply divided between the nomadic [[Aliti]], in the west, and the provincial [[Stihli]], in the east. Only Fotia, the traditional dwelling place of the Pendechon, remains unaffiliated in this conflict, as many of the residents are fishermen and are ethnic [[Rhysin]].
The sitting ruler is [[Kardaha XI]], the 42nd Pendechon.
* See the map of [[Eadra]] for political boundaries.
Divelne practicioners recognize a large portion of the Uhlmar's teachings, particularly where piety and charity are concerned. "Uhlmar" is not a group of people, but a title bestowed before the current Uhlmar passes away. They believe that when a person dies, their soul returns to the earth regardless of their earthly actions.
A historical religious event in which a group of scholars claimed that their translation of the works of the Uhlmar more accurately reflected the spirit of the laws as they were intended. They attracted a number of followers, as their interpretation was more "forgiving" and required less strict adherence to religious minutiae. They went on to become the [[Divelne]] sect, while the traditionalists were known as [[Egleth]].
A severe old lady, and duchess of [[Tercía]]. Generally unpleasant. Has stubbornly refused to pass her governing rights and seat in [[Valiset]] to her children.
Duke of [[Galterre]]. Well liked by the citizens of Galterre, but prone to violent outbursts and rash decision making.
A Duke of Malhaven. Father of Varren Melkan. Owner of Ferrenstar Manor in Ferrengard.
The Duke of Densmuth in [[Malhaven]]. A strong supporter of [[Morant Odarin]].
Écran de Machand is the seventh Duke of [[Westmarch]], ascending to that position after the death of his uncle, Evec de Machand. The elder Machand took young Écran under his wing from an early age, instructing him in the ways of the [[Valiset]] and the [[Divelne]] religion. Evec died without children, owing to his deep piety and his position among the [[Candide]] as Bishop. Écran took his position at the relatively advanced age of 35, succeeding his uncle's position in the Valiset, but eschewing any official position in the Candide. It is generally assumed that Machand severed ties with the ruling body of the Divelne due to his friendship with [[Morant Odarin]], his boyhood friend. It has been rumored that the two were onetime lovers, which would do much to explain their adamant support of one another despite the overwhelming disadvantage of Westmarch's interests in the scheme of Morant's government.
After the death of [[Emperor Saimon Odarin]], and the accession of Morant to the throne, Machand was among the first to come forward in support of Morant's claims to the [[Cathedra Baiulus]] and all of its implied powers. Though the Valiset was violently divided on the issue, it was the combined efforts of Machand, [[Duchess Corlin]] and [[Duke Herrenin]] that solidified the body in favor of the Emperor. Machand is known to have, on more than one occasion, privately urged for the censure and dismissal of [[Duke Greiling Melkan]] from the chamber.
Duke Machand rules from his ancestral home of [[Auscitan]], a palatial structure that occupies almost an acre of territory in the wooded hills above [[Vascan]], the capital of Westmarch (and home to nearly half of its inhabitants).
The western continent. Mostly temperate climate. The north experiences harsh winters, the south is subject to seasonal monsoons.
Purple - [[Malhaven]]
Turquoise - [[Versain]]
Brown - [[Dinaved]]
[img[http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l1/delzhand/EadraPolitical.png]]
The term Eadric Wars is lent to the series of wars fought between [[Malhaven]] and [[Dinaved]], the two great nations of the continent of [[Eadra]]. The wars began some time between 900 and 1300 [[Khandra Uhl'domin]], though precise dates are impossible to retrieve due to poor record keeping. These wars took place largely in the series of canyons and valleys that now comprise the land that is occupied by the nation of [[Versain]], and never achieved much beyond the incremental increase of territory in either direction. It is believed that these wars began as a squabble amongst religious sects and blossomed into full-scale violence at the onset of the [[Divelne Schism]], which coincided more or less with the galvanization of Malhaven as a united kingdom, rather than a loose band of dukedoms.
The most "holy" of religious sects, they believe that the Uhlmar of the modern era are the first and only divine beings. When a person dies, the Uhlmar receive the soul and judge it. If it is found wanting, the soul is destroyed, but if worthy (judged on adherence to divine law), the soul returns to the earth to nurture future generations.
A very small town on the northeast penninsula of Malhaven. It is of almost no importance, though the military does occassionally buy weapons from a talented blacksmith living there. Home of Aescher and Cainas. Run by a village elder named Isahn. Mara Darcuris, Aescher's mother, runs an herbalist shop there. There is some livestock and crop production there, but it's small population makes it almost unnoticeable to anyone except tax collectors.
The first [[Seraphim]] created by [[Caelusel]], the Firstborn. Given great talents and put in charge of a host of [[Lesser Seraphim]].
[[Clemenel]] - Keeper of Peace
[[Luminel]] - Keeper of Light
[[Septimel]] - Keeper of Song
[[Ohmael]] - The Scribe
[[Phalael]] - The Shield
[[Vigilel]] - Keeper of Order
[[Vocifel]] - The Sword
The 14th emperor of the [[Malhaven]] Empire, crowned [[Imperator Deus]] by the ratification of the [[Gaz Uhlmar]] upon the death of his grandfather, the 13th emperor, Rasimus. Saimon’s father was a man of noble birth, but was denied accession to the crown when the old emperor died. Rasimus Odarin fathered no sons, but lived well into his seventies, and ruled the land with unreserved tyranny. His eldest daughter married into the Melkan line, and bore only one child, a son, Saimon. When Rasimus became aware that the disease of the lungs that had afflicted him for some years would finally take his life, the emperor took steps to assure that the Duke of [[Ferrengard]] would never gain the throne. Thus Saimon, a lad of only 20, became Emperor of all Malhaven, a title which forever estranged him from his father and separated the destinies of Ferrengard and the [[Cathedra Baiulus]] for a generation.
Saimon’s rule was a long and bloody one. Having acceded to the throne under the auspices of having been proferred a generous and fortunate gift, the young ruler quickly dispelled any notions of vulnerability by instituting a series of brutal purges. The [[Malhaven House of Lords]] was, for a span of six years, dissolved, and the young emperor ruled absolute, restructuring the government to suit his needs. When the purges subsided and the parliament was allowed to reconvene, the nobility that arrived in [[Malhaven Proper]] was of a different stripe than those that had left in disgrace. The dynasties of the old guard had been rid of any dissenting elements, and the young lords who sat in state beneath the rotunda of [[Valiset]] were assuredly of one mind with the new ruler. It is thought that Saimon instituted the purges to make certain that none of the lords that had married his mother’s younger sisters would have occasion to bear arms or contrive conspiracy against his reign. In this regard, his victory was swift and absolute. The men in question, and his aunts, all disappeared, each in turn, quite permanently.
The reign of Saimon Odarin was marked by a series of violent wars with the nation of [[Versain]], each instituted following the purges. Saimon’s wars were costly and produced few victories. If one were to judge the 14th emperor on his military prowess alone, his reign would undoubtedly be considered a ruinous failure. During his years of unending war, Malhaven actually lost territory to Versain, suffered diplomatic catastrophe with the rulers of that nation (who learned, after repeated treachery, that Saimon ruled by the sword and was not to be trusted), and also lost a large tract of land to the warrior priests of [[Dinaved]], ceding an entire peninsula on the western frontier during a disastrous campaign that lingered on for over a decade.
As he grew older and wearied of war, Saimon loosened his grip on the reins of government, and in his advancing years sought to repair his blood-darkened image. To assuage the wounds of a nation burdened by decades of war, Saimon fathered a son, his third, the boy Veld. The emperor used the birth of his youngest, born when the tyrant was nearly fifty, to inspire the nation to rejoice, and called an end to hostility (the cessation of the war would last a mere eighteen months, but was enough to sate the battle-weary citizenry and inspire them to renewed bloodlust). He pledged the life of his son to the intentions of the church, and, in a ceremony unprecedented in the annals of Malhaven, committed Veld to the service of [[Khand]]. The Gaz Uhlmar themselves, who had not been seen abroad in over a century, attended the holy occasion and blessed the child and took him in his swaddling cloth back to [[Gaz Usul]].
Much of Saimon’s attention in his later years was devoted to the strengthening of trade and commerce. He provided the Principality of [[Sevesel]] with a great deal of wealth during the latter half of his reign, and it is due to his influence that the [[Great Harbor]] was completed, making it the West’s unquestioned gateway to [[Cabal]]. His attentions were also occupied by the question of his throne and its future. Of his two sons it is clear that Saimon favored the younger, [[Retel Odarin]], but knew that his eldest, [[Morant Odarin]], possessed the valid and rightful claim to the crown. The brothers, widely known to have despised one another, had, in the months preceding the emperor’s death, on at least one occasion made public threats on the other’s life. It is believed that Saimon, who by his sixty-third year was given to sudden frailty and had, amazingly, become a deeply pious and beloved ruler (despite his continued war with Versain), was prepared to make arrangements similar to those made by his grandfather to assure that Retel, who had already fathered a son, would be the next emperor. His last act as ruler of Malhaven was to issue an edict to the House of Lords declaring his intention to address the body upon the convening of their next session, and commanding both Retel’s and Morant’s attendance. The Emperor died two days thereafter, and the nation plunged into chaos. His funeral was attended by over thirty thousand mourners, and his casket was interned at the Odarin Tomb in the catacombs beneath [[Candidus Sanctum]] in Malhaven Proper.
Saimon Odarin died from a prolonged poisoning (akin to that which killed Napoleon Bonaparte) that appeared symptomatic of the natural decline of infirmity and old age. The poisoner was Retel, who believed, rightly, that his father would name him successor. His poison worked too well. Retel’s claim to the throne rests in the timing of his father’s death (Retel publicly blames Morant) and the mystery of his urgent call to the House of Lords to assemble.
<<gradient vert #000000 #ff0000>>@@color:white;SPOILER ALERT@@>>
The Enigma is just that. On the north side of [[Arctur]], set into a deep depression, is this strange collection of statues and energies. There are seven statues of strange humanoid creatures that the party calls golems, all of them contained in a massive swirling vortex of arcane energy. A description follows:
At the deepest point is the Low Golem, his mouth agape. Above him is the Pained Golem, his arms outstretched. Contorted above the Pained Golem's shoulders is the Labored Golem, his struggle unending. At his head, the Beast Golem, at his feet, the Female Golem, their efforts in vain. Above them all, untethered to the earth, the Ascendant Golem, his path to Heaven assured.
Additionally, it is the place where [[Caelusel]] exists, from which he projects his consciousness to Aescher.
The first king of [[Eadra]].
| Age: 24 | [img[http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l1/delzhand/smportrait.png]]|
| Height: 5'7" |~|
| Weight: 123 lbs |~|
| Eyes: Green |~|
| Hair: Dark Brown |~|
!!!Background
Evian is a young woman from Herstovei. She is kind-hearted and quiet, but also realizes that it can be a harsh world for a woman alone, and has some training in the use of a dagger. She was away from her home when [[Herstovei]] was sacked, and she arrived back just prior to [[Aescher Darcuris]]'s arrival. Her family ran the local potter, but she herself had little natural talent for it.
<<gradient vert #333 #333>>@@color:white;SPOILER ALERT (HIGHLIGHT TO READ)@@Or at least, that's the lie she uses to explain her presence to Aescher. Evian is actually an agent of [[Versain]]'s intelligence agency. She is the contact for northeastern [[Malhaven]] and is responsible for keeping tabs on public sentiment and [[Resistance]] movements. She is investigating the sacking of Herstovei when she encounters Aescher and helps him treat [[Cainas Delzhand]]'s wounds.
>>
!!!Appearance
Evian is a slender woman of average height. Her bust is not large, but it would be inaccurate to call her flat. She wears a short sleeved jacket and a simple country dress that falls to just above the knees. For travelling purposes, she also wears a pair of knee-high boots. Her long dark hair is worn in two braids that are looped and pinned with ornamental clasps. She has a slightly round face with intense green eyes framed by untidy bangs.
!!!Development
Evian is not a violent person, but she does what is necessary to survive without panic. She is unsure of herself, and doesn't participate in most of Aescher and Cainas' exploits as part of the resistance.
<<gradient vert #333 #333>>@@color:white;SPOILER ALERT (HIGHLIGHT TO READ)@@The real reason for this is her profession. After meeting with [[Retel Odarin]], she uses Aescher and Cainas as a cover to gain more information. She assists them insomuch as is necessary to keep her cover, but deliberately sabotages certain missions. Once Retel is enthroned, she reveals the truth to Cainas, and drops the naïve façade. Although initially quite upset, he comes to terms with this. Her relationship with Varren, however, becomes one of constant bickering and backbiting. She never misses an opportunity to taunt Varren, who likewise thinks her a conniving bitch. Despite their inability to tolerate each other, they remain together because they both believe in Cainas.>>
!!!Abilities
Subtlety is the name of the game when it comes to Evian's abilities. Her offensive abilities don't deal much damage, but inflict all manner of nasty effects, such as disarm, cripple, and bleed. She has a handful of defensive abilities that can prevent different status effects, and Feint, which temporarily extends her melee range. She learns both Khandari and Seraphic magic with equal talent.
!!!Powers
<<gradient vert #333 #333>>@@color:white;SPOILER ALERT (HIGHLIGHT TO READ)@@Evian is not a scion of either major power, and her ability to use magic comes instead from her affinity to Cainas or Aescher. Once a certain plot point occurs, Evian will begin to gain points for her time spent in battle with either of them, which allow her to use spells from either tree.>>
!!!Skill
Evian's skill is Subtlety. It provides a direct bonus to evasion and reduces the amount of threat generated by defensive actions. Evian joins the party with this skill, but cannot teach it to others until a certain point in Act II. This skill can be trained even if Evian is not in the party, but the character cannot raise its level without her.
!!!Armor
In Act II, Evian dons a uniform that increases her skill and reflexes. She also gains the standard cold/hot weather gear.
!!!Weapon
Evian starts the game with a Keen Dagger. In Act II, she receives a Custom Rapier that increases her melee range. In Azakair there is a quest that will allow her to gain an Azakiri Itani (a type of piercing longsword with a barbed pommel). Her final weapon is undetermined.
EVIAN: I imagine you find this all very amusing.
VARREN: As a matter of fact, I do.
EVIAN: What is your aim? Is this some perverse attempt to endear me to you? It's not working.
VARREN: I should hope not. Endear you to me? Uhlmar take me. Woman, why would I attempt to woo you?
EVIAN: Don't ask me. You're the one sleeping alone.
VARREN: My bed is a cold enough place without your frigid loins. Besides, if I wanted to be lied to I'd go back to Retel or my father.
CAINAS: Varren!
EVIAN: Ass! At least I'm defending my country instead of fleeing it!
CAINAS: Evian!
VARREN: Sleep poorly, you treacherous sow.
CAINAS: Varren!
EVIAN: I've half a mind to gut you here.
CAINAS: Evian!
VARREN: And the other half is-
CAINAS: Stow it, both of you! Honestly!
Knights of the church. Those showing exceptional combat prowess and devotion to the church are trained, often from a young age, to be elite guards in the service of the Uhlmar. Defending the churches in hostile locations, exterminating outspoken heretics, and acting as the police force of Khandar are some of the assignments Fal'Harain. The Uhlmar prefer youths to adults, as they are more open to suggestion and less likely to question orders. A Fal'Harain who questions his assignment is excommunicated, though reports of this are noticeably rare.
The crater into which [[Cabal]] is built. The deathplace of [[Khand]].
Political Head: [[Duke Greiling Melkan]]
Seat: [[Ferrenstar]]
Population: 17%
Other Nobility: Various unnamed
Cities of Note: Ferrenstar, various unnamed
Average Standard of Living: Poverty
Resources: Limited mining, moderate farmland/timber
Political Sentiment: Strictly anti-imperial
The ancestral manor-fortress of [[Duke Greiling Melkan]], located in [[Malhaven]]'s dukedom of Ferrengard.
A title conferred upon the divine father of the [[Seraphim]]. See [[Caelusel]].
Ironically named, famous for slave trade. Heavy rainfall, tropical climate. Darker skinned men and women favored as prize slaves among nobility. Women known for their beauty. Most inhabitants do not follow the Uhlmar's teachings.
Political Head: [[Duke Glynnd]]
Seat: [[Khenar]]
Population: 12%
Other Nobility: Various unnamed
Cities of Note: Khenar
Average Standard of Living: Poverty
Resources: Limited mining, port commerce
Political Sentiment: Strictly Royalist
The Azakairi have no name for their religion, but it is referred to by outsiders as Gaol Tinh ("cloister of spirit"). They revere their ancestors and fear the ancient beast gods. Their oral tradition of storytelling has preserved the memory of the Leviathan's great rage, which destroyed a full third of the land which was once theirs. They remember the seraphim but do not worship them. Honor is paramount to them, and a man or woman who dies without honor may be denied fellowship by his or her ancestors, to suffer eternal shame.
Gara Noctur was the ancient capital of the [[Seraphim]]. A massive citadel built in scaling terraces upon the side of a mountain range, the city spanned thousands of feet in height and covered many miles, its highest point reaching nearly as high as surrounding peaks. Housed within the highest enclosure was the dais of the [[Firstborn]], and the great throne of [[Amul’ghan]], where [[Caelusel]] dwelt in times of earliest reckoning.
The citadel represented the largest and most intimidating of all the Seraphim structures, though smaller shrines and settlements were erected elsewhere on the continent, and in specific places around the globe, as need required. However, these smaller structures were never occupied permanently, and Gara Noctur remained the home of the Seraphim throughout the long ages.
Built to repel invasion, the citadel never suffered the footfall of any save the Seraphim until the arrival of the [[Magi of Ausbreitung]]. Even then, the wizards were never permitted entry beyond the entrance hall, and were only then allowed to dwell by the insistence of [[Ohmael]], who would hear their words.
The citadel fell in concurrence with the blood rites that transfigured the Magi into the [[Gaz Uhlmar]], who used the powers of [[Khand]] to summon the [[Leviathan]] (see [[Cataclysm of the Leviathan]]). The beast wrought untold havoc on the land and tore the citadel asunder. All that remains of the great city are a few solitary towers clinging to lonely crags in the [[Ruined Sea]].
Heads of the most prevalent religion in the world. Consists of three mage-deities named Uhlsin Dezen, Uhlsin Ternach, and Uhlsin Marae. Served by the Khand Judecai (and predecessors) and the Fal'Harain. They appear to Judecai as humans, but in actuality they are grotesque abominations, an effect of the [[Blood Pact of Khand]].
The southernmost country on the eastern continent. Heavily populated.
Ardor is a console RPG in the vein of Final Fantasy and Breath of Fire.
To get started with this blank ~TiddlyWiki, you'll need to modify the following notes:
* SiteTitle & SiteSubtitle: The title and subtitle of the site, as shown above (after saving, they will also appear in the browser title bar)
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Title conferred upon the second son of a sitting Emperor of [[Malhaven]]. The title grants the Grand Duke a seat in the [[Malhaven House of Lords]], command over the [[Knights Sepelio]], therefore conferring upon the office joint command of the military as a whole, a responsibility shared with the [[Lord Protector]], who commands the army.
This title has been most recently conferred upon [[Retel Odarin]].
Gustave is the current ruling lord of Cabal at the time the game begins. He is Isa's owner, and initially showed her much kindness. But over a few years, his attention turned to politics and other women. During the game he is ousted by Aescher, who believes he can end the slave trade by doing so. Isa interferes and saves his life and follows Aescher intent on revenge.
''Sacren'' - A broadleaf herb whose leaves can be powdered and mixed with water to create a multipurpose salve. When spread over a wound, it promotes clotting as well as preventing infection and hastens healing.
''Florei'' - A reedy plant that grows only near the coldwater shores of northeastern Malhaven. When ground, it can be mixed with saltwater to form a thick paste which, when heated, sets into a hard shell. It is prized by the people of northeastern Malhaven as a way to preserve and flavor their fish exports. Without it, the fish would spoil long before they reached their destination.
''Kinstem'' - the stem of this plant contains an extremely pungent sap. If the ends are sealed by fire shortly after cutting, a small section of stem can be used as an alternative to smelling salts - breaking the stem releases the sap, which is capable of waking or reviving the unconscious. It must be carefully wrapped to prevent accidental breakage.
A town in northeast Malhaven. Significantly larger than Eidonne, but still small compared to most other cities. Herstovei is home to many successful businesses, and occassionally is visited by military conscripts bringing resources from other parts of the empire.
[[What is Ardor?]]
!Ardor Act I
!!Player Characters
[[Aescher Darcuris]]
[[Cainas Delzhand]]
[[Evian Morgana]]
[[Varren Melkan]]
[[Ascendus]]
!!Major Enemies
[[Morant Odarin]]
!!Story
[[Act I Outline]]
''Scene 1-1'' : [[Walkthrough 1-1]]
[[Scene 1-2]] : [[Walkthrough 1-2]]
[[Scene 1-3]] : [[Walkthrough 1-3]]
[[Scene 1-4]] : [[Walkthrough 1-4]]
[[Scene 1-5]] : [[Walkthrough 1-5]]
The Imperator Deus is a title bestowed upon the Emperor of [[Malhaven]] by the [[Gaz Uhlmar]] at the time of the new ruler's coronation. The title is passed to the new Emperor by a blessing of proxy, meaning that the Uhlmar, who are not known to travel abroad, can confer the blessing //in absentia//, from the shrine at the heart of the [[Bukhar dil'Menrakha]], their mighty palace in [[Khandar]], the holy land.
What is not plainly known about the title is that it is a blood pact that in many ways mirrors the pact joined by the Uhlmar themselves with [[Khand]], though less potent. It is an incantation that ties the Emperor, once enthroned on the [[Cathedra Baiulus]], to the very land of Malhaven, and while on his home soil, his power is much greater. The blessing was first conferred upon [[Aureus Odarin]] shortly after his subjugation of the rival kingdoms of northern [[Eadra]]. His line has ruled [[Malhaven]] for fourteen generations.
I'm well aware that Ardor appears to contains a number of standard issue RPG cliches. If you boil down any game sufficiently, it sounds ridiculous. Examples:
Gears of War - Manly men with chainsaws and huge guns fight aliens.
Street Fighter - Martial artists fight each other
Final Fantasy XII - A young hero fights to save the world.
See? It sounds preposterous. What makes these games good is the execution.
Ardor may seem unimaginative when boiled down, even to a lesser degree. Shall I do it to the first act?
A young man^^1^^ and his best friend flee their homes when tragedy strikes their tiny village^^2^^. Along the way they meet an abandoned young woman^^3^^, who agrees to help them join the resistance^^4^^ and dethrone the evil emperor^^5^^.
Ugh. Who would play such a clichéd game? What make Ardor a good story is the execution.
<<slider ID [[Spoiler 5]] "Execution (Spoilers)">>
Age: 21
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 116 lbs
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Dark Violet (dyed traditionally)
!!!Background
Isa is one of [[Gustave]]'s numerous slaves. Being originally from the [[Free Lands]] and of remarkable beauty, she was taken from her homeland before she became of age. Her beauty quickly became a source of shame, as she was traded from lord to lord, each treating her as a prize possession rather than a person. Subject to the sexual whims of many men for the great part of her adolescence, she became talented in subversion and guile to avoid the more extreme fetishes. When she was traded to Gustave as part of a transaction, Gustave immediately placed her above his other female servants and exempted her from his sexual appetites. She became fiercely loyal to him for this act, and now serves as his personal attendant. In exchange for his promise to not trade her to any other lord, she performs the dangerous task of testing his food and drink for poison.
!!!Appearance
Out of respect for her origins, Gustave allows Isa to dye her long wavy hair in the traditional manner of her people, using a deep violet dye. She wears a pair of loose fitting pants slit down the sides and a halter top that flatters her ample bust. Her skin is a dark olive color, but not quite so dark as the people of Gaz Usul. While outside of Gustave's manor, she wears a set of less revealing travel clothes.
!!!Development
!!!Abilities
Isa's offensive abilities often have short range, but include various poisons used to deal damage over time. She has little in the way of defensive techniques, but compensates by having an innately high ability to use magic. She learns Seraphic magic at 1.4 times the normal speed, and Khandari magic at 1.2 times normal speed.
!!!Powers
<<gradient vert #333 #333>>@@color:white;SPOILER ALERT (HIGHLIGHT TO READ)@@
Aescher's affection for Isa had the effect of a greatly dampened [[keter'lebn]], increasing her attunement to magic.>>
!!!Skill
Isa's skill is Poisons. As this skill increases, a character's attack has a random chance to poison the enemy, causing an extra amount of the damage from a melee attack to take effect after a short delay. This skill also provides a direct bonus to poison resistance, but does not work against poison inflicted by magic.
!!!Armor
Isa begins the game with both her travelling clothes and her servant's attire. She can also gain a set of Fine Leathers, which provide a bonus to damage mitigation. She also is able to purchase gear to protect her from the ravages of heat and chill.
!!!Weapon
Isa joins the party with a Fine Dagger, and can eventually obtain a Quicksteel Kris. Her ultimate weapon is the traitor's blade, Sammeser.
!!!Other Images
[[Isa Image 1 | http://delzhand.public.iastate.edu/images/Isa.png]]
Judecai is the third [[Khand]]. Originally from [[Azakair]], he is over 600 years old, though he appears to be about 40 physically. He was cast out of his homeland on allegations of consorting with demons, and eventually he was found by [[Antemon]], who brought him to the [[Gaz Uhlmar]] to fulfill his destiny. He has grown weary of this duty, and seeks to pass on the sword [[Khandrazen]] to [[Cainas Delzhand]].
Judecai, if desired, can act as a commander to the [[Fal'Harain]], though it is usually not necessary to his goals. He is not obliged to perform any service outside of the Uhlmar's direct orders, which primarily involve the search for the next Khand.
He is not above lying to Cainas, even though he views him as a son. This relationship is due to the patronage of Antemon, who indeed treated Judecai as a son, and acted as a father. During their early meetings, he even tells Cainas that he is his biological father (or leads him to think asmuch without saying it explicitly). After many refusals to take the mantle of fourth Khand by Cainas, Judecai heads for the hills of [[Arctur]] to throw himself into the [[Enigma]].
The current [[Pendechon]] of [[Dinaved]].
The great titan of [[Phyras]], Khand was one of the ancient beast gods who commanded the fealty of vast expanses of land and peoples in the world before the rise of the [[Seraphim]]. Of these beasts, Khand was undoubtedly the greatest, both in sheer size and strength. The dominant creature of the entire continent of Phyras, Khand resembled in form a massive lion, though he stood upright, and towered almost eighty feet in height. His match was never met in battle, and his council he kept to himself. Through the long centuries, Khand demanded and received the blood oaths of hundreds of nomadic tribes, all of whom paid tribute to him as though he was the one true god.
The origin of Khand, and indeed, any of the beast gods, is one of rampant speculation. Though it is believed by some scholars of antiquity that these creatures were little more than titanic representations of existing creatures, it can hardly be dismissed that the mammoth beings displayed great power, both through physical and ethereal prowess. It is known that Khand himself was tied to the land he roamed by rites of blood and spirit, and that where he dwelt, the land prospered and was plentiful. However, so too was his wrath a potent and terrible force. When first he encountered the [[Firstborn]], the Seraphim [[Caelusel]], it was demanded that Khand bend his knee to the new lord. The beast refused, and their ensuing battle brought the proud Caelusel to heel. The Firstborn fled Phyras and sought refuge in [[Amul’ghan]]. It is speculated that during this battle, Khand commanded the mountains to rise to his aid, and beckoned the power of the sea to aid him. So terrifying was his power that Caelusel sent a surrogate in his stead thereafter, the [[Elder]], [[Vocifel]].
The battles between Vocifel and Khand spanned the whole of Phyras. The beast god would rise to meet his opponent, battle would be joined, the very foundations of the world would be shaken, but always the Seraph was brought to his knees, the great animal spared him, and Vocifel gave chase. Such was the way of things for a millennium. The leonine beast finally subjected Vocifel to his decisive defeat at the plains of [[Fel Makar]], where Khand spared the War Seraph for the last time, and bade him return to [[Gara Noctur]] and bid Caelusel emerge and resume the battle he had so long ago abandoned. Vocifel fled, and the two were never to meet again.
In the centuries that followed, Khand began to feel the decay of age overtake his body. Though he had lived and fed and supplied the land of his forbears with his very essence for millennia uncounted, he had become weary, and tired of constant battle, of subjugation and arcane rituals. It was at this time that he was approached by the [[Magi of Ausbreitung]], a triumvirate of powerful mages from the frozen lands to the north. They supplicated themselves to his will and spoke of life immortal. Khand viewed the tiny beings as creatures of specious logic and dismissed their claims, but had felt, for some time, the stirring of the last of his living brethren, the dormant [[Leviathan]], and began to wonder if the time of his passing had indeed come to bear. Knowing the Seraphim to be a force of limitless strength and fearing his own diminished power, Khand allowed the Magi to persuade him to take part in their plan to end Caelusel's reign. At the crater near the heart of Fel Makar, the Magi and thousands of followers oversaw the death of a god as Khand willfully ended his own life with a rite of blood that tied his power to the three wizards, who would thereafter be known as the [[Gaz Uhlmar]].
Khand's essence, though extinguished physically, continued on through the ages, manifesting in the form of a human and bound to the Uhlmar's will. There have been three, and the fourth the Uhlmar await, knowing him to be the final incarnation, impatiently reckoning their own imminent demise.
Home of the [[Gaz Uhlmar]] and highest priesthood. Towns have sprouted up to accomodate pilgrims, but no government has taken root. The Fal'Harain deal with any threats to the peace. Full of shrines and monuments to the Uhlmar. Tropical climate. Citizens are extremely devout.
Specific nomenclature assigned to the reckoning of time. The years on this calendar count up from the date of the original blood pact between the [[Gaz Uhlmar]] and the beast god, [[Khand]].
Khandrazen is, literally, the sword of [[Khand]]. When the great god Khand was sacrificed, the Khandrazen was formed from his femur. Though the blade is bone, its deific properties render it both unbreakable and sharper than the finest [[Azakair]] blade. It is the only weapon that can wound a Khand whose powers have matured. In appearance, it is a massive greatsword with a blade that is thick at the hilt and tapers to a dagger point. The center part of the blade is engraved with the inscription "In death, freedom".
Another port city in Malhaven, smaller than Sindren. Most nobility in Khenar is supportive of Morant. Their naval fleet is much smaller than Sindren, but their proximity to the capital makes them a desirable midpoint for a large number of shippers.
The Knights Sepelio are the elite force of the [[Malhaven Standing Army]], and are apportioned to the direct command of the [[Grand Duke of Malhaven]]. Represented by a scarlet chevron bearing a gold falcon, the Sepelio have always consisted of the best trained and most highly regarded of Malhaven's combat troops. Induction into the order is a procedure involving rites of fealty, not only to the Emperor, but to the protection and reverence of the army as a whole and to the personal protection of the Grand Duke.
During recent times, the Sepelio have come to reflect the general ideology of the sitting Grand Duke, a title conferred upon [[Retel Odarin]] from the time of his twentieth birthday. In the years since, leading up to the civil war that now engulfs Malhaven, Retel has fashioned out of the Sepelio a highly effective and mobile combat force, answerable only to himself. In the current conflict, the Sepelio have been instrumental in the derision of the generals loyal to [[Morant Odarin]], the sitting emperor, and in the recruitment of fresh soldiers.
Official guard of the Emperor of [[Malhaven]]. A secretive order, bound by rites of blood and spirit to the life of the Emperor. They do not speak, owing to a vow of silence upon induction into the order, unless it be to speak to each other or to the Emperor. It is not known if they recognize hierarchy within their order, or if their commands come from the Emperor alone. These soldiers are clad entirely in black, as a sign of fealty to the crown, and recognize the authority of no one save the Emperor.
Lesser Seraphim are indistinguishable from mankind except in their lifespans. They do not die from natural causes, though they can be killed by wound or sufficiently vile poison or illness.
!!!Lesser Seraphim of note
[[Serai]]
[[Ascendus]]
A dormant beast god that sleeps at the bottom of the ocean. Has only awakened once in the world's recorded history, and it was during this time that it destroyed [[Gara Noctur]] in the [[Cataclysm of the Leviathan]]. It is the only beast god that [[Vocifel]] was unable to provoke to battle.
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The commander of [[Malhaven]]'s military. Shares this responsibility with the [[Grand Duke of Malhaven]]. This is the highest aspiration a non-nobleman can aspire to in Malhaven's class system, though no commoner has ever possessed the title.
[[Elder]] [[Seraphim]], and guard of [[Amul’ghan]]. Keeper of Light.
The title of the [[Gaz Uhlmar]] prior to the [[Blood Pact of Khand]].
[[Concept]]
[[Story]]
[[Characters]]
[[Places]]
[[Organizations]]
[[Media]]
[[Blog | http://delzhand.blogspot.com/]]
[[Incomplete|incomplete]]
Malek is the commander and champion of Versain's Blackguard. He is a giant of a man, and possesses a raw strength unmatched by anyone else in the army. He may not be a tactical mastermind, but he is intelligent enough to lead his forces well. He develops a personal vendetta when he and the Blackguard are defeated by Cainas, and later leaves Versain's military to pursue him. He wears patchwork armor like the rest of the Blackguard, but his helmet was made especially for him and features two ram's horns and a cross shaped faceplate.
Malhaven is the most populated and second largest inhabited country in the world. It is located on the northern half to two-thirds of the western continent of [[Eadra]]. It has known much change in leadership and border in the past centuries. Prior to the start of the game, the country was ruled by [[Emperor Saimon Odarin]], a well liked leader. His death was unexpected, and left his wishes regarding inheritance unclear. His elder son, [[Morant Odarin]], had the strongest claim to the throne and now occupies it. His first action was to cease the costly war with [[Versain]] by bartering a non-aggression pact, a vastly unpopular move with the citizenry. Even less liked was his immediate increase of taxes. Most of the population is unhappy with the current state of affairs in the country.
The capital of Malhaven is the city of the same name, occassionally referred to as [[Malhaven Proper]].
!!!Dukedoms in Malhaven
[[Cordine]]
[[Tercía]]
[[Galterre]]
[[Sardova]]
[[Westmarch]]
[[Densmuth]]
[[Ferrengard]]
[[Malhaven, Dukedom of]]
!!!Geography
[[Alanha Plateau]]
[[Redereth Mountains]]
[[Eidonne Forest]]
[[Vindtanz Plain]]
[[Versa Mountains]]
* See the map of [[Eadra]] for political boundaries.
An oligarchy that serves as advising committee to the Emperor and governing body for Malhaven. Each territory in Malhaven has a Duke or Duchess, but those with larger (or richer) territories hold more power.
Major Nobles
[[Duke Greiling Melkan]] of [[Ferrengard]]
Lesser Nobles
Duke Lesard of Derest
Duke [[Ascendus]] of ...
Capital city of [[Malhaven]], located east of the [[Redereth Mountains]] and south of the [[Alanha Plateau]]. It's population alone is greater than any single Dukedom in the empire. The city's central district houses [[Valiset]], [[Candidus Sanctum]], and the imperial manor [[Arenheim]]. As a result of joint civil planning, all religious buildings are constructed of white or light-colored materials, while political and military buildings are made of black or dark neutral colors.
[[Malhaven]] boasts the worlds largest and most able standing army, representing the world power in military might for some three hundred years, effectively establishing a hegemony after the last of the great [[Eadric Wars]]. Malhaven's army and navy, until recent encounters with the separatist [[Versain]], had not known external defeat since that time.
The standing army is divided into several key units, each autonomous. Malhaven's infantry, or regulars, comprises the bulk of ground forces and are identified by their green standards (also known as the Peregrine, due to the presence of a gold falcon, or the Patch, depending on the level of reverence attached). The men in this massive force are drafted into service during times of war on a compulsory basis; all non-essential laborers automatically become soldiers upon their sixteenth birthday during a time of war, unless they have been pledged to the clergy. During the relatively infrequent times of peace, enlistment is treated as a more or less elective procedure, though, over the long centuries of battle, many families have come to identify their trade through bearing the verdant standard. Generals in this division of forces are identified by their capes, generally gold, embroidered with a large black falcon.
The naval forces of Malhaven fly the standard of the falcon as well, though their standards are bright blue (the falcon remains gold). Generals are identified in roughly the same manner, though they do not wear armor, for obvious reasons. Malhaven's navy is among the strongest in the world, uncontested for so long a time that it was once wondered if any other nation would ever usurp their dominance. Of course, in recent decades, the naval campaigns against the sea forces of Versain have completely realigned such notions, as is evidenced by the popular renaming of the [[Bay of Davorir]] to the more apt [[Bay of Splinters]].
The elite forces of Malhaven, the [[Knights Sepelio]], are identified by their scarlet standard, and have been historically placed under the direct command of the [[Grand Duke of Malhaven]]. During major battles, the Sepelio are usually brought to head up divisions of infantry and to support the administering general.
The smallest and most secretive of all Malhaven's forces, the [[Knights Tenebrae]], have no official standard, but are seen only dressed in black, though their capes bear a gold falcon. They are the Emperor's personal guard, and do not leave the grounds of the palace unless accompanied by His Highness. Two Tenebrae stand vigil over the [[Cathedra Baiulus]] night and day. These knights are understood to have strange rituals and, upon their induction, take a vow of silence, pledging to speak only to each other or the Emperor.
Political Head: Emperor [[Morant Odarin]]
Seat: [[Malhaven Proper]]
Population: 23%
Other Nobility: Grand Duke [[Retel Odarin]], various unnamed
Cities of Note: various unnamed
Average Standard of Living: Poverty
Resources: Moderate farmland, control of government and commerce
Political Sentiment: Evenly divided gentry and citizenry
Mara is Aescher's mother. She has lived in Eidonne all her life. When she was young, she was courted by a traveller, and bore a son. The traveller did not wish to share in the responsibility of a child, and fled Eidonne. Mara loves Aescher with all her heart, as most mothers do. Being a single parent, she took up herbalism to help the village. All the money she made was spent on Aescher, making sure that he grew up healthy and strong.
The college of princes who deal in the government of [[Dinaved]].
[[Ardor Combat Prototype: 6704k - AVI | http://delzhand.public.iastate.edu/media/ACP2riot.avi]] - ''3/5/2008''
A "riot" using the new game engine (sped up for demonstration). 100 units of Malhaven faction against 100 units of Brigand faction. Watch as Malhaven's trained soldiers handily put down the rebellious thugs!
[[Ardor Combat Prototype: 1411k - AVI | http://delzhand.public.iastate.edu/media/ACP2a.avi]] - ''2/28/2008''
Revised combat engine.
[[Ardor Combat Prototype: 909k - AVI | http://delzhand.public.iastate.edu/media/ACProto2.avi]] - ''2/11/2008''
New video of the revised combat engine. Lacks a unified GUI, may be confusing. About a week's worth of work, should be easy to convert to 3d once it's finished.
[[Ardor Demo 0.1b: 3134k - AVI | http://delzhand.public.iastate.edu/media/Ardor0.1b.avi]] - ''8/9/2007''
Terrain and terrain coloring by height. Objects and <nowiki>NPCs</nowiki> track height. Player tracks height when moving.
[[Ardor Demo 0.1a: 4021k - AVI | http://delzhand.public.iastate.edu/media/Ardor0.1a.avi]] - ''8/8/2007''
Game Events, dialog boxes with smart wrapping text and auto-advance, XP gain and leveling up, stat point allocation, <nowiki>NPCs</nowiki>, redefined collision detection
[[Ardor Demo 0.1: 2174k - AVI | http://delzhand.public.iastate.edu/media/Ardor0.1.avi]] - ''8/5/2007''
Code completely rebuilt. Menus improved significantly. Scene serialization to/from files. Framework for combat much more stable. First "versioned" video.
http://delzhand.public.iastate.edu/media/CombatPrototype3.avi
Combat Demo 3: 1186k - AVI
First attempt at Combat Lock mode. I wanted to get the direction bug fixed prior to rebuilding the intermediate gameplay classes, but alas.
http://delzhand.public.iastate.edu/media/CombatPrototype2.avi
Combat Demo 2: 1748k - AVI
Analog input, follow camera
http://delzhand.public.iastate.edu/media/CombatPrototype.avi
Combat Demo 1: 1132k - AVI
Autofollow fixed for up to 3 characters, collision detection and handling, game state management, randomized "forest", and menus.
http://delzhand.public.iastate.edu/media/PartyPrototypeDemo2.avi
Party Prototype Demo 2: 793k - AVI
Autofollow (still buggy for multiple characters), scene objects, and camera following.
http://delzhand.public.iastate.edu/media/PartyPrototypeDemo.avi
Party Prototype Demo: 480k - AVI
Hey, it's actually starting to look like a game! Fixed the "inside out" glitch and removed old video.
http://delzhand.public.iastate.edu/media/ModelViewerDemo.avi
Model Viewer Demo: 127k - AVI
I'm not much of a 3d artist, so you're unlikely to see stunning 3d graphics. This just shows the framework for the engine. I plan on picking up an Xbox 360 controller for Windows so I can get some better movement code.
http://delzhand.public.iastate.edu/media/titlescreen1280x800.png
Title Screen: 954k - PNG
Current title screen.
The people of [[Azakair]]. Crafters of the finest blades in the world. Honorable.
Morant is the unrecognized emperor of Malhaven, and the previous emperor's eldest son. He was named successor to the throne by the House of Lords immediately following his father's passing. Had he not made so many enemies, all might have been well. Through the missteps of his troubled youth, he made a mortal foe of Duke Greiling Melkan, and supposed that he could depend upon his fealty when the time came. Unmarried and without an heir, Morant is an unabashed pagan who believes himself above the mandates of the Gaz Uhlmar. He solidified his position by allying with Versain and occupying the capital by force. His primary objective is to hold onto the throne and amass personal wealth in the process.
He is an iron fisted tyrant - those that do follow him (the lesser nobles and most of his father's loyal supporters, the "old guard") now do so out of fear. Rumors abound that he eradicates small town simply to exert his will. The rebel dukedoms have allied against him because of his inert foreign policy and his unreasonable taxation of impoverished counties. The church is appalled by his heretic practices and his open denouncement of the Gaz Uhlmar. While the Fal'harain have had several chances to assassinate him, the Church is even less enthusiastic about the prospect of an Emperor Retel.
One of Retel's most trusted lieutenants. In charge of the illegal slave trade operations.
The ocean south of [[Malhaven]]. The south of the ocean itself is the [[Ruined Sea]], where the [[Leviathan]] destroyed the western end of [[Azakair]]. The Ruined Sea is full of small, uninhabited islands, most of which are of no consequence. However, on one of these islands is the tower of [[Gara Noctur]].
The scribe of the [[Elder]] [[Seraphim]]. Recorder of seraphic history.
!!!Military
[[Malhaven Standing Army]]
[[Resistance]]
[[Ul'Harain]]
[[Fal'Harain]]
[[Blackguard]]
[[Versain Regulars]]
[[Knights Tenebrae]]
[[Knights Sepelio]]
!!!Religion
[[Gaz Uhlmar]]
[[Divelne]]
[[Egleth]]
[[Gaol Tinh]]
[[Rhysin Makar]]
!!!Politics
[[Valiset]]
[[Clans of Cabal]]
[[Versain High Ministry]]
[[Meclisel]]
!!!Other
[[Seraphim]]
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A treacherous mountain pass between [[Versain]] and [[Malhaven]].
The highest position of authority in [[Dinaved]].
A pennatus is a seal used to denote the work of one of the [[Elder]] seraphim. The second word is used to determine which of the Elder the seal belongs to, and translates into the order of birth relative to the Firstborn, [[Caelusel]]. The Pennatus Aeternus, then, is Caelusel's personal seal. The gates of the [[Silentium]] are engraved with this seal, as is the sword that Aescher takes.
[[Elder]] [[Seraphim]], and guard of [[Gara Noctur]]. The Shield.
The eastern continent. Contains the city-state of [[Sevesel]], the wastes of [[Sodomar]], [[Cabal]], the [[Free Lands]], and [[Gaz Usul]]. The north is subject to savage winters and is prone to summer heat waves that set whole fields ablaze. The region around Cabal is temperate in the winter, hot in the summer, and the lands to the south are tropical year round.
Japan was the birthplace of the RPG as we know it. Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest are still the most popular and best selling games in history because of Japanese fans' loyalty. Unfortunately, while we are able to enjoy the gameplay of classics such as FFVI (SNES, 1994) and Chrono Trigger (SNES, 1995), we are generally stuck with translated stories, resulting in often confusing and sometimes inpenetrable dialogue and plot points. Another problem is that the sensibilities of Japanese storytelling seem to rely overly on escalating battles and empty religious symbolism (see Xenogears (PS, 1998) or Neon Genesis Evangelion (TV, 1995), two examples of the "best" Japan has to offer). Meanwhile, games produced in America and Europe seem content to retread the same Tolkien or Dungeons & Dragons stereotypes (or worse, transparently deliberate "anti-stereotypes"). The JRPG genre is still a viable market vehicle, as sales of Final Fantasy XII (~PS2, 2006) have shown. But even AAA titles like Tales of Symphonia (Gamecube, 2005) feature cliched characters and plot points (the mysterious swordsman is the main character's father, the love interest has the power to save/destroy the world). Many American and European gamers played through the game despite the story and unlikeable characters.
Ardor seeks to refine the JRPG genre by presenting deeply thought out characters who react to each other in ways befitting real relationships. These relationships are set against the backdrop of an epic story with enough fantasy elements to make it engaging, without oversaturating the world with cliches and deux ex machina. Modern gaming consoles and ~PCs have the power to deliver beautifully detailed worlds, and many of the genre's conventions that were the product of technological limits (such as menu and turn based combat, separate battle screens, simple or random enemy patterns) have given way to real time combat with intelligent or user scripted AI. Japan has shown us it's possible to create a great RPG with modern technology, now it's our turn to show ourselves it's possible to create an RPG with a great story and characters.
!!!Countries
[[Malhaven]]
[[Versain]]
[[Dinaved]]
[[Sevesel]]
[[Sodomar]]
[[Gaz Usul]]
[[Cabal]]
the [[Free Lands]]
[[Azakair]]
[[Ausbreitung]]
[[Khandar]]
!!!Cities and Towns
[[Eidonne]]
[[Herstovei]]
[[Ferrengard]]
[[Malhaven Proper]]
[[Derest]]
[[Sindren]]
[[Khenar]]
!!!Other Places
[[Pass of Migara]]
[[Arctur]]
the [[Silentium]]
The [[Enigma]]
[[Ocean of Storms]]
[[Ruined Sea]]
[[Gara Noctur]]
[[Bay of Splinters]]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Console_role-playing_game
The mountain ranges that spans most of western [[Malhaven]].
Supporters of Retel who engage in military acts in attempts to dethrone Morant as Malhaven's emperor.
The [[Grand Duke of Malhaven]]. As was tradition, Retel was given the title of Grand Duke, and allowed to assume leadership of the [[Malhaven House of Lords]] (to take effect on his 30th birthday). Discontented with this prospect, Retel found powerful allies in the enemies of his older brother. Using his brilliant military mind and sheer charisma, Retel won the hearts and minds of the citizens of Malhaven. He has begun an underground rebellion that threatens to erupt into a full scale civil war. The people of Malhaven see him as a savior.
Handsome, talented, and bold as he is, he is nearly mad. Prone to violent fits of uncontrollable rage and rash decision making, Retel's temper has become the stuff of legend. A technique of his rabble-rousing is to inflame the citizens' natural hatred of Versain, extolling promises of conquest and vengeance. The [[Gaz Uhlmar]] have denounced him as a warmonger as a result. The only people who want to see him on the throne are his closest supporters and the impoverished citizens of Malhaven.
Although his brother can openly access the empire's treasury, Retel must have permission from the House of Lords. Because of [[Morant Odarin]]'s tightly controlled puppet senate, this may as well be completely impossible. Retel funds his campaign in a most unsavory method - the rumors of his brother's cruelty in outlying areas are reinforced by Retel's practice of dressing his loyalists in Morant's colors, raiding towns, and selling people into slavery overseas. He has placed in charge of these operations a trusted lieutenant named [[Nahrek]].
A race sharing ancestry with the [[Meshti]] who lived in western [[Azakair]] prior to the [[Cataclysm of the Leviathan]].
This small sect reveres the primal gods, such as Khand and the leviathan. They, too, believe in unconditional return to earth, but that a sufficiently immoral life can cause the primal earth to reject and destroy the soul. The soul can be cleansed by offerings, typically young livestock either killed at sea or buried in fertile fields.
A large group of islands in the [[Ocean of Storms]].
Salas is the commander of Malhaven's rebellion forces. He believes strongly in Retel's right to the throne, and develops the details of Morant's assassination attempt. He receives audiences with Retel and Ascendus occassionally. He is assisted directly by Varren at the game's onset. He is not much of a fighter, but is not afraid of combat and can be found on the front lines when necessary.
The Sammeser is the blade used by the [[Seraphim]] traitor, [[Serai]]. Forged in secret by the wards of [[Phalael]], the Sammeser was once a simple Seraph blade until it was taken by [[Vocifel]] and made to bathe in the blood of the beast god, [[Azhdaha]]. The blade was transfigured into a relic of murderous quality, imbued with a poison so severe that its slightest touch could inspire deathly sickness. A wound suffered by the Sammeser would almost certainly be instantly fatal. The blade killed the [[Elder]] Seraph, [[Septimel]], and is remembered in Seraphim texts as the Murderer's Blade.
Political Head: Duke [[Ascendus]]
Seat:
Population: 5%
Other Nobility: None
Cities of Note:
Average Standard of Living: Subsistence
Resources: Limited farmland, some timber and mining
Political Sentiment: Strictly anti-imperial
''INT. AESCHER'S HOUSE - AFTERNOON''
AESCHER is asleep in bed as the scene fades in from black. After a few moments, he sits bolt upright in bed.
AESCHER: Guh!
FEMALE VOICE: Ash?
MARA DARCURIS enters the room, looking frantic.
MARA: Are you alright?
AESCHER: Ugh. I must have fallen asleep on the lump in this bed. My back is as sore as...
MARA looks at him expectantly.
AESCHER: ...I've nothing. What's something that's sore?
MARA: Well, Cainas' mood, for one.
AESCHER: Puffed up oaf. What's he want? Wait. What time is it?
MARA: Nearly noon. You should really be ashamed of yourself.
AESCHER: Oh, I'm sorry...
MARA: Don't dwell on it, Ash. If I were any kind of mother, I'd have been in here long before now tossing you out of bed.
AESCHER: Well, despite this odd ache, I'm glad you haven't become that severe.
MARA: Sometimes I wonder about that...
MARA pauses.
MARA: Do you think I'm a good mother?
AESCHER: I don't know. You're the only one I've got.
MARA smiles and tousles his hair.
MARA: That's my boy.
MARA leaves the room.
MARA: Cainas has been by a few times. He's like an hourly chime. I hardly see the need for a clock. What do you suppose he wants?
AESCHER: Same as always. Swordplay.
MARA: Such a dedicated young man. He'll make a good mayor someday.
AESCHER: I don't know about that.
MARA: What about you?
AESCHER shrugs as he pulls on a pair of pants.
MARA: Ash?
AESCHER: I still haven't decided. When I turned eighteen, I was all fired up and ready to join the military, but the last five years have been...
MARA: Peaceful?
AESCHER: I... guess. I mean, I was ready to stick a sword in the first Versani I saw, and now they're... what? Allies? Friends? What a waste.
MARA: Peace has its uses. For starters, I get to sleep without worrying if my son is alive or dead.
AESCHER: Meanwhile, here I am, floundering about, wasting my talents.
MARA: That's not true. You're an exceptionally talented herbalist, and handsome to boot.
AESCHER: A lot of good that does me here. Rena's the only woman even close to my age, and she's engaged to Seif. I'd have to go Herstovei to find a wife. There's an idea! Maybe travel would suit me.
MARA: Well, whatever you do, I'm sure you'll do it well.
MARA looks out the window.
MARA: Oh. Looks like Cainas is here. I want you to take plenty of sacren if you're using real blades.
AESCHER: We're well past the wooden stage, mom.
MARA: I know, but a mother has to hope. Be safe.
AESCHER: I will.
!!!
''EXT. AESCHER'S HOUSE - AFTERNOON''
CAINAS: Well, this is a nice surprise.
AESCHER: Put a pike in it. Hey, where's your sword?
CAINAS: I gave it Palter. He's making it heavier.
AESCHER: It's not seriously still too light? You've had it weighted three times this year!
CAINAS shrugs.
AESCHER: So, what now?
CAINAS: Beats me. I wasn't sure how long you were going to sleep, so I entertained Gant while Palter worked on my blade. He's tenacious.
AESCHER: Did you wrestle with him? He's only eight, you're going to hurt him, you muscle-bound fool.
CAINAS: Hurt him? He won! Look, he bit my arm. You can still see the teethmarks.
AESCHER: Serves you right. Anyway, let's stop in the pub. Rena's probably bored out of her mind.
CAINAS: Do you know what Seif would do if he caught you flirting with his betrothed?
AESCHER: Probably run me through, so I wager it's a good thing he's in Malhaven Proper defending the nation from... oh, let's see. The local wildlife?
CAINAS: No politics.
AESCHER: Apologies. You know where I stand.
CAINAS: Aye. The pub it is.
!!!
''INT. WHIT'S TAVERN - AFTERNOON''
RENA is behind the counter, rinsing mugs.
RENA: Good morning boys. Care for something to drink?
AESCHER: I'll have your finest brandy.
RENA: I bet you will.
AESCHER: Truthfully, no. Drinking in the morning is only a short trip to a long day.
RENA: Morning is it? If I had to guess, I'd say you only just woke up.
AESCHER: Oops, I'm found out.
CAINAS: Why doesn't your father open a few windows in here and let in some sunlight?
RENA: I have a feeling it would probably drive away the kind of patrons we get in the morning.
AESCHER: And what ignoble sort would that be?
A man down the bar raises a mug in acknowledgement.
RENA: The kind that start drinking as soon as the sun's up.
AESCHER: I see.
RENA: So, honey mead, raspberry cordial, or just a warm smile?
CAINAS: Afraid we've just stopped by to say hello. I've got to get to Palter's before he melts down my sword for horseshoe nails.
AESCHER: The smile's appreciated, though.
RENA: It's the only thing that's free. I'll see you boys later.
!!!
''INT. BLACKSMITH - AFTERNOON''
PALTER is working at the forge.
PALTER: Welcome back.
CAINAS: What's the good word?
PALTER: S'finished. On the rack.
AESCHER: What all this?
AESCHER gestures at a large crate packed with swords.
PALTER: Consignment for the Emp. 'Ere's a conscript coming round these parts in two days.
AESCHER: How's the money?
PALTER spits.
PALTER: Piss poor, as usual. Stingy cowards in Valiset voted again to decrease the pay for piecework. I can't afford steel from Densmuth, so most of what I buy comes from Ferrengard. I 'aven't made a sword as good as yours in too long. Ah, slag 'em. They don't care if the swords are good, s'long as there are enough.
AESCHER: What's the Emperor buying equipment for? He basically conceded the war to Versain so they'd leave us alone.
PALTER: Rumor 'as it that the conscript is mostly soldiers originally from these parts. You din't hear this from me, but I think they might be buying the blades for the Grand Duke.
CAINAS: Do you mind if I take this out back and swing it around?
PALTER: Oh, sure. Go 'head. I've got some bundles of straw tied up back 'ere if you need targets.
CAINAS leaves the shop.
AESCHER: Do you think Retel has the gall to march openly on Malhaven?
PALTER: I don't think he's got the gall not to. Every time the traders come to the docks, I 'ear more and more support for him.
AESCHER: Now that is an interesting piece of information. Does the Grand Duke still fancy finishing the war?
PALTER: I should say so.
CAINAS re-enters.
CAINAS: It's much better, Palter. You have my thanks, and my coin.
PALTER: I wish I could afford to live on the former, but the second feeds me better.
CAINAS: Things are rough for all of us.
AESCHER: It's true. The florei crop has been absolutely pitiful this year. All the fish in the ocean aren't worth a damn if we can't keep them fresh long enough to sell them.
PALTER: Maybe the conscript will have some for sale.
AESCHER: That's not a bad idea. What do you think, Cainas?
CAINAS: If they're due here in two days, it means they'll probably be in Herstovei until tomorrow afternoon.
AESCHER: If we wait for it to get here, it will be completely picked over. I'd like a fair shake for once. Let's postpone the fencing and head for Herstovei.
PALTER: I'm sure your mum'd appreciate that, Aescher.
CAINAS: Sure. If our fishmongers can't sell their wares, I'll hear naught but complaints.
!!!
''EXT. HERSTOVEI - EVENING''
AESCHER: I don't see any soldiers.
CAINAS: Maybe the conscript is running behind schedule.
AESCHER: Lets ask around.
!!!
''INT. HERBALIST - EVENING''
SHOPKEEP: Good evening, sirs. If it's sacren or kinstem you need, you've come to the right place.
AESCHER: Actually, I was wondering if you had any florei.
SHOPKEEP: Oh, podge. Naturally. It's the only thing anyone wants, and its the only thing I don't have.
AESCHER: Must be a thin crop everywhere...
SHOPKEEP: Hmm? Oh, you must be Mara's son! Yes, yes. 'Thin' seems to weak a term to describe it. What kinstem I do have is better suited for kindling. At least then it would keep me warm.
AESCHER: What about the conscript? I thought it was supposed to be here today.
SHOPKEEP: There's an oceanic storm hammering the coastline. They're probably held up in Termiel.
AESCHER: Well, this has been a waste.
SHOPKEEP: Seeing as you're Mara's son, I could help you out. How much florei were you hoping to buy?
AESCHER: As much as I can afford. Realistically, probably about forty good sized reeds.
SHOPKEEP: I'll be buying quite a bit myself, obviously, but I'll set aside a stack of reeds for you. Mara and I go back a long time, so I'll sell them to you for what I pay the soldiers. Try stopping back in two days.
AESCHER: I appreciate the effort. I'll do just that.
SHOPKEEP: Think nothing of it. Give my regards to your mother.
!!!
''EXT. EIDONNE - NIGHT''
AESCHER: Are you going straight home?
CAINAS: Yeah. I ought to get some sleep. Mayor Isahn wants me to stand in for him at the Mercers' Guild meeting.
AESCHER: You don't sound too excited.
CAINAS: I'm not, honestly. The mercers are a flock of squawking vultures. They act as if the world ends and begins with coin.
AESCHER: Doesn't it?
CAINAS: That's why I hate it. Because they're right. I'll see you tomorrow.
AESCHER: Are you going to come with me when I go back to Herstovei?
CAINAS nods.
AESCHER: Alright. Sleep well.
''END SCENE''
The sun rises and sets over EIDONNE, and rises once more to signify that a day has passed.
''INT. AESCHER'S HOME - MORNING''
The scene fades in as AESCHER is pulling on his jacket. A knock is heard at the door.
CAINAS: Morning, Ash.
AESCHER: Are you ready to go?
CAINAS: Aye.
AESCHER: I should pack some food. It's a long trip.
CAINAS: Don't worry about it. I've got a jar of mutton curry my mother made. We can heat it up once we're on the road.
AESCHER: My favorite. Let's see. Sacren, coinpurse, sword... I think we're all set.
CAINAS: To Herstovei.
AESCHER nods.
!!!
''EXT. EIDONNE FORESTS - AFTERNOON''
Scene fades in on AESCHER and CAINAS talking as they travel.
CAINAS: ...So one of the mercers holds it up and yells out, "Hey! This isn't mine!"
AESCHER: Bwa ha ha!
CAINAS: It took them over an hour to figure out who was responsible. It was pretty pathetic.
AESCHER: ...
CAINAS: What?
AESCHER: Out of the clearing. Go!
AESCHER shoves CAINAS off the path and dives into the bushes after him.
CAINAS: Are you out of your mind?
AESCHER points across the road to a point in the woods, and CAINAS squints.
CAINAS: Curs!
AESCHER: And large, too. A hunting party?
CAINAS: The bloody carcass they're dragging along suggests it, yes. Looks like a doe.
AESCHER: Probably the same pack that relieved goodman Garem of half his livestock about two months back.
CAINAS: They do look exceptionally well fed.
AESCHER: Lets follow them.
CAINAS: Come again?
AESCHER: Lets follow them to their den and kill them.
CAINAS looks to the wolves and back at AESCHER.
CAINAS: You've gone mad. Aescher, there are three of them and two of us!
AESCHER: Thank you for the arithmetic lesson. Do you remember what an embarassment it was when Garem found out that not only had an entire pack of wolves been in his sheep pen, but that it happened while you were on watch?
CAINAS: No one blamed me for that.
AESCHER: Not publicly. Come on, we'll be hailed as heroes.
CAINAS: Complete with a hero's funeral.
AESCHER: They'll talk of our actions for years!
CAINAS: I've never heard a eulogy longer than a few minutes.
AESCHER: Pfft. At the very least, let's find their den. We can wait for them to leave and kill any pups, and return when we have help from the villagers for the adults.
CAINAS: Finally, a rational thought.
AESCHER and CAINAS cross the road and follow the wolves. After a few moments, one stops and sniffs the air.
CAINAS: What's he sniffing at?
AESCHER: Oh, no...
CAINAS: What?
AESCHER: When I shoved you, you must have landed on the curry jar! Your pack is dripping!
The wolf turns around and starts towards the hiding AESCHER and CAINAS. It makes a low growl, and the others drop the doe and follow after it.
AESCHER: Ditch the bag!
CAINAS slings off his pack and hurls it into a patch of shrubbery. The wolves break off after the source of the noise. AESCHER sighs with relief.
CAINAS: Let's forget this for now. We can come back later.
A snarl is heard, and the camera pans around to show that the third wolf did not go with the others, and he leaps at AESCHER, who draws his sword and assumes a fighting stance.
''Combat gameplay sequence. During the battle, the other wolves return and join the fight. AESCHER and CAINAS defeat them, but CAINAS is grievously wounded.''
!!!
''EXT. EIDONNE FORESTS - AFTERNOON''
CAINAS: That... could have... gone better...
AESCHER: Don't talk. Save your strength.
CAINAS: Are they dead?
AESCHER: I did. Hold still.
AESCHER applies a poultice of sacren to the gaping wound in CAINAS' side.
AESCHER: Shit.
CAINAS: ...what?
AESCHER: There's too much blood. The sacren is just soaking it up and getting soggy. I need more bandages...
CAINAS: My pack has some...
AESCHER: Don't drift. Stay focused. I'll be right back.
AESCHER runs off and returns after a moment.
CAINAS looks at AESCHER, somewhat dazed.
AESCHER: The wolves found your pack. It's torn to shreds, I didn't find much I could use.
AESCHER stands up.
AESCHER: Cainas, I'm so sorry. This is my fault. Uhl'domin! Why here? We're so far from home.
CAINAS: Herstovei...
AESCHER: I could go to Herstovei, but what about you? I can't leave you here.
CAINAS: It... it hurts...
AESCHER: I know. If I run to Herstovei as fast as I can, will you be able to hold out?
CAINAS: If there aren't any more wolves...
AESCHER: Here. Take my sword, it's lighter. Try to stab anything that comes close. Hopefully you won't need it.
CAINAS: Go. Hurry...
AESCHER: I have faith in you. Stay alive until I get back.
AESCHER sprints off.
''END SCENE''
''EXT. HERSTOVEI - LATE AFTERNOON''
AESCHER: By my haligdom... Where is everyone?
WOMAN'S VOICE: Don't move!
A woman emerges from a nearby doorway holding a dagger shakily with both hands.
AESCHER: What happened here?
The woman eyes him carefully.
AESCHER: I have a friend who desperately needs help. Bandages. What happened? Where is everyone?
WOMAN: You're not one of the raiders?
AESCHER: No, I'm not. I don't have much time. I have to get back.
WOMAN: Do you live here?
AESCHER: No, I'm from Eidonne.
The woman says nothing else and doesn't move.
''Gameplay: Aescher goes to the herbalist's shop and finds plenty of bandages, sacren, and florei. As he's leaving town, he's stopped by two ragged men''
MAN 1: Leaving town, stranger?
AESCHER: I have to help a friend. Please, I don't have much time.
MAN 2: What've you got there? Pell, check his bag.
AESCHER: It's just bandages and herbs.
PELL: Drop it on the ground and you can go.
AESCHER: What? No! He'll die without this!
MAN 2: Not our problem. Not sure what happened here, but its the first chance we've had in five years to fill our pockets and our bellies.
AESCHER tries to force his way past.
AESCHER: Out of my way, you vagabonds.
The larger of the two men punches him in the face, sending him spiraling to the ground.
WOMAN: Leave him alone!
PELL: Onsted, you idiot, you said you didn't find anyone else.
ONSTED: It's a big town. What, you want me to check every building?
AESCHER gets to his feet.
AESCHER: //Damn it all, I left my sword with Cainas...//
PELL: Grab the girl, too. I haven't wet my wick in a long time.
ONSTED approaches the woman and grabs for her wrist. She sweeps him to the side and plunges the dagger into his ribs.
''Gameplay: Aescher (unarmed) and the woman fight and incapacitate the two men''
WOMAN: I don't want to stay here. Can I come with you? I'll explain on the way.
AESCHER: What's your name?
WOMAN: Morgana. Evian Morgana.
AESCHER: Let's get out of here before they come to.
EVIAN: Agreed. Lets find your friend.
!!!
''EXT. EIDONNE FOREST - EARLY EVENING''
AESCHER: Cainas!
CAINAS: Here...
AESCHER: Something horrible happened in Herstovei, Cainas. You'll never believe this.
CAINAS: Who's this?
EVIAN: I'm Evian. What happened to you?
CAINAS: You go looking for a healer... and come back with a strange girl.
AESCHER: It's not-
CAINAS: I don't know whether to hurt you... or thank you...
AESCHER: Pike it. This is no time for jokes. Evian, can you hold these bandages right here?
EVIAN does as instructed.
AESCHER: This is going to leave an ugly scar.
CAINAS winces.
EVIAN: Lift your arm a bit so I can tie the bandages.
CAINAS: You're... very pretty...
EVIAN: I think he's going to pass out.
AESCHER: Let him. There's not much more we can do right now. He should be alright.
EVIAN: I think so, too.
AESCHER sits down in front of CAINAS.
AESCHER: So.
EVIAN: So?
AESCHER: Herstovei.
EVIAN looks at the ground for a few seconds.
EVIAN: I'm still not sure. I was visiting my uncle in Sindren. That is, I live in Herstovei with my brother. I returned from my trip, and everyone was gone. I'd been hiding from those looters when I saw you.
AESCHER: Did you think I was one of them?
EVIAN: I was sure you had seen me, so I thought I'd make the first move.
AESCHER: I guess we both got lucky. ...Considering the circumstances.
EVIAN: Maybe you did. You've still got your home and your family.
AESCHER: ...Yeah. I'm sorry.
AESCHER stands up and looks in the general direction of Herstovei.
AESCHER: Any idea where they went?
EVIAN shakes her head.
AESCHER: They couldn't have gone far. You didn't pass them on the way north, and they didn't come this way, either. That many people would leave a clear trail. The probably didn't head for the coast, so that means they went west. When we get back to Eidonne, I'll help figure this out. We'll find your brother.
EVIAN nods, but she's clearly lost in thought.
AESCHER: You get some rest, too. I'll take watch.
''END SCENE''
EXT. EIDONNE FOREST - MORNING
CAINAS stirs. AESCHER has fallen asleep, and EVIAN is nowhere to be seen.
CAINAS: Oy.
AESCHER: Mmrph.
CAINAS: Hey.
AESCHER: I'm up.
AESCHER sits up and pulls some forest debris from his hair.
CAINAS: You drool in your sleep?
AESCHER wipes his mouth hastily.
CAINAS: That's embarassing.
AESCHER: How's your side?
CAINAS: Still hurts like hell, but I think I can walk.
CAINAS stands up and stretches out his arm tentatively, quickly drawing it back.
CAINAS: Ow.
AESCHER: Don't push it. Evian tied those bandages pretty well, but...
AESCHER trails off and looks around.
AESCHER: Where is she?
EVIAN: Up here.
EVIAN is sitting on a sturdy branch above the heads of AESCHER and CAINAS.
AESCHER: Why?
EVIAN: You fell asleep two hours into your watch, so I took over. I can see farther from up here.
EVIAN drops to ground level.
CAINAS: I wasn't delirious.
AESCHER: Not now. Herstovei has been... emptied? Deserted? I'm not sure how to say it. All the people are gone.
CAINAS: Gone?
EVIAN: It's probably rife with looters by now. What should we do?
AESCHER: We'll head for Eidonne. Cainas and I live there. We'll put together a search party and investigate.
CAINAS: What about the city itself?
AESCHER: What about it?
CAINAS: I mean, the buildings, the farmlands. Any bodies?
EVIAN: No, everything is still there. There weren't any dead bodies.
AESCHER: It didn't look like raiders. No hint of violence, just...
The trio stands silent for a moment.
CAINAS: Do we have anything to eat?
EVIAN: I have some dried meat, but nothing filling. You can have it.
CAINAS: Thanks.
AESCHER: Let's head back home. Eat on the way.
!!!
EXT. EIDONNE - MORNING
The town is empty.
AESCHER: No!
CAINAS: Uhl'domin...
The two men rush into town, throwing open doors and looking for signs of life. EVIAN stands quietly outside the gates of town and looks around uncomfortably.
''Gameplay: Player controls Aescher, who searches the town until he finds a quality sword in the blacksmith's forge.''
CAINAS returns to Evian.
CAINAS: I don't understand... How...?
EVIAN: It's just like Herstovei... everyone is gone...
AESCHER runs towards them, furious.
AESCHER: Imperials!
CAINAS and EVIAN: What?
AESCHER throws the sword at their feet.
EVIAN: I don't get it.
AESCHER: Palter said he hadn't made a sword like mine in a long time, right? This was in his house!
AESCHER turns over the sword with his boot - there is a falcon stamped on the blade.
CAINAS: Did they forget it?
EVIAN: Or did they leave it to be found?
There is another long pause between the three.
AESCHER: They took my mother.
CAINAS: We don't know that. Let's look around again.
''Gameplay: The party is free to explore the town, and they find dozens of heavy bootprints.''
!!!
EVIAN kneels at the ground.
EVIAN: Did they come from the shoreline?
AESCHER: How should I know?
CAINAS: Why do you ask?
EVIAN touches the ground.
EVIAN: There are bits of sand in the prints.
CAINAS: That doesn't mean much, but we can look.
''Gameplay: Player is given control of the party again, they go to the docks.''
The bay is free of boats. Some drift lazily in the distance, their moorings cut. AESCHER hurls the sword into the water.
CAINAS: Ash!
AESCHER: What!?
CAINAS: That sword...
AESCHER: Uhl'domin!
CAINAS: It's the only proof we've got! We've got to tell someone. The duke! We have to tell the Duke Lesard!
AESCHER grits his teeth and wades into the water.
AESCHER: Did you see where it went?
CAINAS: Not clearly.
EVIAN sighs.
EVIAN: You'll never find it now.
AESCHER comes ashore, soaked to the waist. He storms off towards his house.
CAINAS: Ash!
EVIAN: Leave him be. I know how he feels.
CAINAS: ...
EVIAN: What about you?
CAINAS: I'm going to Derest.
EVIAN: No, I mean your family.
CAINAS: Just my grandmother. My mother died in the military during the war with Versain. I never knew my father.
EVIAN: ...I'm sorry.
CAINAS: Yeah...
!!!
INT. AESCHER'S HOUSE - AFTERNOON
CAINAS enters and sees AESCHER at the table.
CAINAS: I thought I'd find you here.
AESCHER: Where the hell else would I be? The mayor's house?
CAINAS: ...
AESCHER (mumbling): Sorry.
CAINAS: I've been all over the village. I looked for anything that might be evidence of... anything.
AESCHER: What did you find?
CAINAS: Naught. I tried looking for the sword, but the water was too murky.
AESCHER: We need to find out what happened here. I need to find my mom.
CAINAS: I know. We should go to Derest. We need to tell the duke what's happened.
AESCHER: You looked everywhere?
CAINAS nods.
AESCHER: You didn't find anyone.
CAINAS: No, Ash. Not a soul.
AESCHER: I'll cut out the heart of whoever's responsible for this! Come on, Cainas! How can you be so calm? We've got to get those bastards!
EVIAN: Who?
AESCHER stands up, knocking over his chair, and slams his hands on the table.
AESCHER: Them! The soldiers! The person that ordered them to come here! The emperor!
EVIAN and CAINAS are silent.
CAINAS: We'll find her, Ash. Tomorrow. We'll go to the duke.
EVIAN: If the emperor is involved, what are we going to do?
AESCHER: If? It's pretty damned clear, isn't it?
EVIAN: And?
AESCHER: If the duke won't help us... I'll go to the red banners.
CAINAS: Ash.
EVIAN: You're serious about this.
AESCHER: You don't have to come. I'll understand if you don't want to get involved.
EVIAN: I'm already involved.
CAINAS: She's right.
AESCHER: We should leave today.
CAINAS: It's two days away. We need to prepare.
AESCHER: Today!
CAINAS: Ash, please. I know this is hard, but I need you to think clearly. It's a two day trip, and I'm hurt.
AESCHER: I'm sorry... it's just...
AESCHER sits on the floor and sobs.
AESCHER: Can... can you leave... for a bit?
CAINAS nods to EVIAN, and they leave.
FADE TO BLACK
!!!
EXT. EIDONNE
The sun sets and rises again over EIDONNE.
!!!
INT. AESCHER'S HOUSE - MORNING
''Gameplay: Player controls AESCHER and goes to CAINAS' house, where CAINAS is showing EVIAN are waiting.''
CAINAS is showing EVIAN how to wield a dagger.
AESCHER: Morning.
CAINAS: How are you?
AESCHER: Restless.
AESCHER turns to EVIAN.
AESCHER: You did a pretty good job on those thieves in Herstovei with that little knife.
EVIAN: I... I guess. I just panicked.
AESCHER: Could have fooled me. But I guess when your options are fight or be raped...
CAINAS looks at EVIAN with concern.
CAINAS: You didn't tell me that part of the story.
AESCHER: Are you two ready to go?
EVIAN: I guess so.
CAINAS: I've packed all the roadworthy food I could find. Here's yours.
AESCHER: Thanks. Let's go.
''Gameplay: The player is given party control and goes to Eidonne Forest.''
!!!
EXT. EIDONNE FOREST - MORNING
AESCHER stops and falls behind the others. He turns and looks back at the distance gates of Eidonne.
CAINAS and EVIAN stop together and wait for him silently.
''Gameplay: Player resumes control and goes to Derest."
''INT. ASCENDUS' MANOR - MORNING''
ASCENDUS: What is this?
AESCHER: You found that in Arenheim? That's my sword.
ASCENDUS examines the blade.
ASCENDUS: You’re half right, I think.
AESCHER: I don't understand.
ASCENDUS: Let us say that in some corners of the world, this would hardly be considered suitable for mere butchery.
AESCHER: I was issued this by a smith of the first regiment. It has seen me this far.
ASCENDUS: And if it should see you much further, I should be quite surprised.
AESCHER: This is the same manner of blade used by Morant, and you yourself told me of his skill.
ASCENDUS: Ha! And look at where his skill has gotten him! He is beset on all sides.
AESCHER: I see no fault in this sword. It’s well balanced and it suits me.
ASCENDUS: Such confidence. Fools who own swords often speak of balance with no point of reference. Wait here.
ASCENDUS leaves the room and returns a moment later with a sword.
ASCENDUS: Your stance is dextral, no?
AESCHER: Come again?
ASCENDUS: You favor your right hand.
AESCHER: Oh. Yes.
ASCENDUS: How pedestrian. This blade is an Azakairi Jaln, and to use it properly, you’ll need to balance your stance.
AESCHER takes the sword.
AESCHER: What manner of metal is this? It’s lighter than pinewood.
ASCENDUS: The Azakairi smelt their steel with native minerals and achieve a lighter, swifter blade. It’s to your advantage.
AESCHER: How? You’d have to swing twice as hard to cut the same amount.
ASCENDUS: Are you a lumberman?
AESCHER: ...
ASCENDUS: It is a simple question. Is your business the felling of trees?
AESCHER: No.
ASCENDUS: Good. A proper lumberman makes an awful swordsman. What I will teach you is useless on trees. Your opponents will move, will think, will strike back. Some, like your
friend Cainas, can get by on the merit of their brawn, can heave greatswords about and enjoy success. You are not numbered among them.
AESCHER: I’ve never made such a claim.
ASCENDUS: A wise decision. You’d not survive using such a weapon. No, you were meant for the arming sword, for the spatha.
AESCHER: I still don’t see how this sword will perform better than mine.
ASCENDUS: This [picking up the old blade] is an anchor. Tell me, should you encounter a foe stronger than Cainas, wielding some fiendish cleaver, how would you defend?
AESCHER: Parry and wait for his opening.
ASCENDUS: And you think that you have the strength to sustain a frontal attack.
AESCHER: Perhaps.
ASCENDUS: Are you confident? Shall I call for Garras?
AESCHER: If you must.
ASCENDUS: Hmm. I’ll save you the broken bones. If Garras, or any other berserk on the battlefield vaunting a pike or hammer, were to pin you behind your blade, you’d soon find
yourself holding congress with the earth. Can you imagine now the advantage of a lighter blade?
AESCHER: You’re suggesting evasion.
ASCENDUS: Precisely. And this [tossing the blade aside] will do naught but drag your movement, slow your counterstrike. Now, take up your stance.
AESCHER settles into his comfortable stance, holding the sword in his right hand.
ASCENDUS: Yes. Fine form. What you have been taught you have adapted admirably to your self-training. But this is a flimsy and graceless positioning, and it will get you killed.
AESCHER: This is the form taught to all soldiers.
ASCENDUS: You are no common soldier. Repeat that hourly if you must. Recite it as you sleep, as you carry out your duties, when you use the latrine, while you bathe, until it
becomes true. This is no place for a soldier, and, mark these words, should you continue with this stance, you will die under the sword of an inferior foe.
AESCHER: If you insist, milord.
ASCENDUS: Very well. Let us have our first lesson. Adopt a sinistral stance.
AESCHER: What?
ASCENDUS: Use your left hand.
AESCHER: Why should I use my unpurposed arm? I can hardly cut bread with it.
ASCENDUS: Oh, I see. You’re no lumberman, you’re a baker! We’re not spearing biscuits, boy. Now, maladroit!
AESCHER: I don’t—
ASCENDUS unsheathes his sword and begins to fight AESCHER. AESCHER defends admirably until ASCENDUS parries, switches to a sinistral stance, and stabs AESCHER in the right
arm. AESCHER screams in pain.
ASCENDUS: I have changed my mind. Your first lesson will be to clean your own wounds.
AESCHER: Uhl’domin! I can’t move my hand!
ASCENDUS (shouting): You seek to revenge your mother? You wish to see Morant brought to justice?
AESCHER: Y-yes...
ASCENDUS: Then you must obey. When I command, do, and do without question.
AESCHER: Yes, milord.
ASCENDUS (softly): Morant is no man. He is an empire. You cannot kill the hydra with a single blow. As you are now, the hydra’s weakest head would best you, swallow you whole.
I will teach you how to kill the beast. And when the time comes, you will.
AESCHER (wincing): How can I train with my arm like this?
ASCENDUS: The path of the sword is manyfold, and you have mislearned the craft. I cannot build on a faulty foundation. Tomorrow we will begin your education. For now, we will
focus on strategy.
AESCHER: I... I understand.
ASCENDUS: There are bandages in the washroom. Bind the wound, and come find me.
''INT. RÊVEMEURS OBLIETTE''
VARREN: Euuunnnhhh.
CAINAS: You’re awake.
VARREN: More’s the pity.
CAINAS: I thought it best not to rouse you just yet. I thought of rinsing your eyes, but the water here is so foul I figured I might be doing more harm than good.
VARREN: Excellent. If the smell is any indication, you’re spot on.
VARREN sits up and winces, a hand clapped to his injured eye.
CAINAS: Does it burn?
VARREN: “Does it burn?” No, it bleeding tickles, you damned… Uhl’domin! Don’t… touch me. I’m fine.
CAINAS: What was that he threw at you? I’ve never seen the like.
VARREN: It hardly matters.
CAINAS: Can you see?
VARREN: Too dark to tell.
CAINAS: Can you stand? We’ve got to set about getting out of here.
VARREN laughs darkly.
CAINAS: They haven’t even put us in a cell.
VARREN: How very thoughtful of them.
CAINAS: I ought to think we should count ourselves very lucky.
VARREN: You provincial fool. Do you have any idea of where we are? Don’t speak. You do yourself no credit by opening your mouth. This is Rêvemeurs Oubliette, and this is where we die.
CAINAS: I’ve never heard of such a place.
VARREN: I’m not surprised. It is not a place intended to be well remembered.
CAINAS: If it’s connected to the palace prison there must be a way out.
VARREN: Are you listening to yourself? Imagine for a moment that you are a sitting king, and then imagine that you are set upon by assassins, who, in the intervening moments between your attempted murder and their imprisonment, you roundly thrash without so much as a sneeze from your bodyguard. Do you follow?
CAINAS: It’s a familiar story.
VARREN: Ah, good. Now imagine how you must feel toward said assassins. Would you rather show them the mercy of giving them a sporting chance to escape internment, or toss them down a thirty foot shaft into a disused dungeon peopled by cannibals and crazed beasts?
CAINAS: I wish you’d get up so we can start moving.
VARREN: I wish I’d died in the fall.
CAINAS clasps VARREN’s arm and pulls him to.
CAINAS: Well, you didn’t. Have your eyes adjusted?
VARREN: There’s nothing yet.
CAINAS: Then stay close and follow my voice.
Later, as CAINAS and VARREN make their way through Rêvemeurs.
VARREN: I don’t see how you can make your way in this darkness.
CAINAS: I can make out shapes. Much of what comes appears quite close.
VARREN: How reassuring.
CAINAS: What would inspire anyone to build such a place?
VARREN: Catastrophe.
CAINAS: I don’t follow.
VARREN: Keep walking and tell me if I’m about to step into an open pit.
CAINAS: In truth, I can’t see the floor very well.
VARREN: I could have done without knowing that. In 490, Evenan Ferrengard began construction of a grand tower around which a palace would be erected. The foundations were built, and deep. It was finished in 501 and the palace that would become Arenheim was already well underway. But in 503 there was an earthquake and the tower collapsed. The palace was built atop the ruin and the deep foundations of the tower were converted into a dungeon for only the very worst criminals. It had seen little use for centuries until Morant opened it back up. It seems a favorite hobby of his.
CAINAS: I didn’t know you to be a historian.
VARREN: It is my father’s wish that I know of such things. He thinks it important to be versed in the dealings of our lineage.
CAINAS: You’re descended from the first king of Malhaven?
VARREN waves dismissively.
VARREN: Who knows? If my father has a talent for anything it is for revision.
CAINAS: I see something moving.
VARREN: How many heads has it?
CAINAS: Quiet. It’s big, whatever it is.
VARREN: Lead on. You’re the one with eyes.
Mother of Cainas. Works as a cook for Whit's tavern. Notorious gossip.
[[Caelusel]]'s favorite [[Elder]]. A [[Seraphim]] of great physical beauty, he is known most for his singing. Keeper of Songs. The first seraph to be murdered by one of his own kind.
Quite literally translates to: Seraph King. This title is not an official one, but an accolade assumed by [[Vocifel]] during his attempted coup against the absent [[Firstborn]].
See [[Vocifel and Serai]]
The seraphim are a race that predate man. The fact that they even existed is unknown to the common man. Created by the firstborn, [[Caelusel]], whose origin is unknown. The name Seraphim was chosen by Caelusel and is not indicative of divinity. In fact, the only difference between Seraphim and man is that the Seraphim command great arcane power and do not age in a discernable manner. When Caelusel created the Seraphim, he first created the [[Elder]] by building their bodies from stone and dirt and breathing [[keter’lebn]] into them. The Elder were given great talent in a particular area, such as Order, Song, and War. Caelusel also created a multitude of [[Lesser Seraphim]], who were created to serve and obey a particular Elder.
The Firstborn, [[Caelusel]]
The [[Elder]]
The [[Lesser Seraphim]]
Major port city - Surrounded by the [[White Wall]], defended by [[Ul'Harain]].
From where he stood, it was almost beautiful. Here, at the foot of the dune, the sun's first rays painted the very tops of the highest hills a dingy yellow. The chill morning wind rippled the sand faintly, but Aescher was in no mood to appreciate nature's splendor. He muttered a handful of curses under his breath and pulled his turban off. He ran his fingers through his ruddy red hair, shaking out the desert grit and wondering how the sand had managed to find its way inside the tightly woven headpiece.
The turban had come unraveled due to a shoddy knot and the fact that Aescher had not had the time to properly learn the correct way to wear it. He had been in something of a hurry as he left Sevesel. The dock guards had discovered him stowed away on the ship arriving from Malhaven, and now he was associated with the death of Lietenant Nahrek.
He cursed the very name, then cursed the strip of fabric that was supposed to protect him from the sun that was threatening to, any moment, come bearing down on him. Aescher decided to meet the day head-on, literally. He stomped to the top of this sand dune, feeling thousands of tiny pebbles in his boots, in his pants, in his shirt. His ears, his fingernails, and his crotch felt as if they had accumulated enough loose sand to create a pile a foot high. As he crested the hill, he swore again, this time loudly. He waited in vain for an echo, but the flat expanse of land before, behind, and around him mocked him in silence.
The shopkeep was right. It really was madness to venture into Sodomar alone. He had been chased off the one path through this forsaken place by a roaming band of Egleth fanatics - boogeymen that seemed to be every bit as horrifying as the children's tales suggested. Since leaving the path, he had been hopelessly lost. Aescher stood at the top of the hill, at the edge of despair, and fell from both precipices.
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Ardor doesn't use the RPG standard of HP. Instead, a character will change to Normal/Injured/Wounded/Incapacitated/Dead as they are struck. Characters will recover over time, but if any party member ever becomes Dead, it's game over! No phoenix feathers or smelling salts will bring a character from beyond the veil, so watch carefully!
When you select a target for the first time, you'll be able to choose from an aggressive or defensive approach. An aggressive approach means that you will attack first, while a defensive approach means the enemy will attack first. If you attack, the enemy will choose a defensive manuever. No matter what you choose, the roles will be reversed on the next turn. The exception to this is Attack Chains, which are a string of offensive manuevers. Attack Chains allow you to make consecutive attacks, but at the risk of being wounded and interrupted.
Your party's levels are and will remain capped throughout the game, until the very end. You can fight around and gain XP, but your level will not increase beyond the cap. Usually, beating a boss will raise the cap by a few levels. If you have the requisite XP to level up when the cap is raised, you will immediately do so. Unlike most other RPGs, you won't be able to trivialize a difficult fight by grinding on relatively weak foes.
A fortress in [[Ausbreitung]], built by [[Caelusel]] as a retreat, place of study, and prison. [[Vocifel]] and [[Serai]] are imprisoned here.
An account follows:
"In architecture, the Silentium lacked any of the finery present in the south. Its construct was simple on the exterior. A traditional dome capped a half cylinder that was built into the mountainside, and the gate was sealed with the Pennatus Aeternus.
The interior, however, held great wonders. Indeed, the treasures of the Firstborn were kept therein, as Caelusel languished there for some centuries, watching and listening, long after the Lesser had been tainted and the place stood empty.
Many chambers were tailored specifically to the Firstborn's whims and needs. Some, by feints of the Elder, lacked floors. Others lacked ceilings. Into some of the chambers, life was breathed, and things that should not know of themselves were made to be conscious.
In the lowest depths, below the mountain, a massive chapel was made, built in six tiers and connected by invisible staircases, each of which traversed the great gulfs of emptiness whose depth could not be discerned by a mortal mind. Each tier was marked, sculpted by Caelusel himself, with likenesses of each golem of Arctur.
The firstborn long studied the Enigma, and it led him to his ruin. Though he took great pains to assure that no soul ever witnessed his madness, his decision to imprison Vocifel and Serai within the Silentium proved fatal.
During the last war, Caelusel, uninterested in the well-being of the Seraphim, deemed it time to discover what lay beyond the Enigma. If he was unable to pass through it, he would tunnel behind it. Vocifel, knowing of this through his own cunning, lay in wait in the chapel. When Caelusel passed to the center of the final stair, Vocifel and Serai struck.
The magics expelled during the battle disrupted the balance of the chapel, and already existing too close to the Enigma, duplicated the effects of the wretched altar. Caelusel, unable to stem the tide of the vortex, was cast into the abyss of his own creation, and his light went out forever."
Port city, stronghold of Retel's resistance. Location of Retel's manor and staging point for most resistance operations outside of the capital itself.
http://delzhand.public.iastate.edu
Wasteland nation north of Cabal. Inhabited by fanatical Egleth.
| Name | Classification | Damage Type | Effect Added | Effect Removed | Affects | Damage Level | Notes |
| Pennatus Vitreus | Seraphic | Seraphic | | | Single | Low | |
| Vigilel's Ward | Seraphic | | Ward | | Single | | |
| Septimel's Lyre | Seraphic | | Discord | | Single | | |
| Mephitic Humor | Seraphic | Seraphic | Poison | | Single | Low | |
| Solisel's Verse | Seraphic | | Assurance | | Single | | |
| Vigilel's Escutcheon | Seraphic | | Shield | | Self | | |
| Pennatus Nihil | Seraphic | Seraphic | Knockdown | | Single | Medium | |
| Vigilel's Rampart | Seraphic | | Shield | | Faction | | |
| Pennatus Infares | Seraphic | Seraphic | | | Single | Medium | Hits 3x |
| Pennatus Firmamentum | Seraphic | Seraphic | | | Area All | Medium | |
| Luminel's Feint | Seraphic | | Berserk | | Single | | |
| Solisel's Flight | Seraphic | | Haste | | Single | | |
| Pennatus Tenebrae | Seraphic | Seraphic | Knockdown | | Single | High | 3x chance to Knockdown |
| Pennatus Dominum | Seraphic | Seraphic | Weak | Vigor | Area All | High | Guaranteed to work if target has Vigor |
| Septimel's Verse | Seraphic | Seraphic | Null | | Single | Medium | |
| Solisel's Wings | Seraphic | | Celerity | | Self | | |
| Pennatus Aeternus | Seraphic | Seraphic | | | Area All | Severe | Exclusive to Aescher |
| Hazah'kul | Khandaric | Khandaric | | | Single | Low | |
| Khandra'sul | Khandaric | | Vigor | Weak | Single | | |
| Hazah'mek | Khandaric | Khandaric | | | Single | Medium | |
| Egle'kul | Khandaric | Khandaric | Knockdown | | Single | Low | |
| Khandra'dem | Khandaric | | Vigor | | Faction | | |
| Ptolom'sul | Khandaric | | Keen | | Self | | |
| Hagle'kul | Khandaric | Khandaric | | | Area All | Medium | |
| Ante'dem | Khandaric | Khandaric | | | Single | Medium | Caster recovers HP equal to ½ damage |
| Hazah'mek Usul | Khandaric | Khandaric | Immolate | | Single | Medium | Requires Egleth Ash |
| Egle'mek | Khandaric | Khandaric | Enervate | | Single | Medium | |
| Jude'sarain | Khandaric | | Brace | | Self | | |
| Ante'sarain | Khandaric | Khandaric | Dead | | Single | | Caster recovers HP equal to 1/3 damage |
| Hazah'zen Usul | Khandaric | Khandaric | Immolate | | Area All | High | Requires Egleth Ash x3 |
| Jude'harain | Khandaric | | Zeal | | Self | | |
| Ante'harain | Khandaric | Khandaric | Dead | | Area All | | Caster recovers HP equal to ¼ damage |
| Khandra'zen | Khandaric | Khandaric | | | Area All | Severe | Exclusive to Cainas |
In certain story battles, Aescher gains the command "Domination". If selected, Aescher's personality will be dominated by [[Caelusel]]'s. His attack priorities will increase, and his attacks will ignore armor. Any opponent that he incapacitates while under this effect has a chance to be automatically killed by a followup attack.
Later on, Aescher will be able to select this command at any time, but when it ends, he cannot move or act for several moments.
Aescher's magic stems from the fact that he is the living avatar of [[Caelusel]]. From his ethereal prison in the [[Enigma]], Caelusel projects his will at moments when Aescher is susceptible, such as while sleeping or after intense trauma or danger.
Cainas is the fourth and final [[Khand]]-made-flesh. At certain points in the game, Cainas gains the "Blood Rite" command, which he can use to become and avatar of the beast god Khand. In this state, he his attack priorities increase, and is considered to be heavily armored, but without the usual penalties.
He later gains this command permanently, but is immediately incapacitated when it ends.
Cainas' powers come from his status as Khand-made-flesh. It has been observed that the power of each Khand increases with the death of the last, but as the final avatar, Cainas' fate is unknown.
The hero's age:
Aescher has to be young enough that his relationship to his mother is believeable, but old enough that you can imagine him travelling the world, as well as having sufficient skill with a sword. I hate 14 year old anime heroes. By age 14, I hadn't even mastered tae kwon do, let alone swordsmanship. Initially, Aescher and Cainas were 18. We bumped it up to 23 to make it more plausible. Having a close relationship with your mother isn't hard when you both live in a place as small as Eidonne. Aescher's got no reason to move out - he's not married and really has no chance of becoming so in Eidonne.
The tragedy at home:
I'll admit this one is less defensible, but the fact remains that most people's everyday lives are boring. It takes a major event to get people to start anything that might be considered "adventure". I still like our solution better than the alternatives: "Brigands killed everyone!" "Oh, no, a plague!" "A prophecy says you must leave!", etc.
Demure maiden:
Major spoilers beyond Act I follow, so read on at your own risk. Evian appearing as she does is a direct effort to subvert the stereotype. She is in fact neither helpless or innocent. She's an intelligence agent for another country sent to keep an eye on resistance efforts and ensure they don't succeed. Which brings us right to...
Noble Resistance:
Well, it's certainly a resistance. It's headed up by the Emperor's scheming brother Retel, who is the actual cause of the catastrophe in the heroes' home, and a master manipulator of the populace. But anything "by the people, for the people" is good, right? Well, the general population wants Retel on the throne so they can resume the long war with the nation to the south. They've been fighting for so long they find the peace unsettling. A peace bartered by the...
Evil Empire:
It turns out that most of the reasons people think the Emperor is an iron fisted tyrant are false - results of careful rumor-mongering by Retel. So a gamer might be expecting a subversion of this trope by having the emperor actually be a good guy. He's not. He's still an iron-fisted, arrogant ruler, but he generally has his subjects best interests in mind. He just happens to think they don't really want what they say they do.
A culture of people living in [[Dinaved]]. They have much in common with the [[Rhysin]] and [[Aliti]] in terms of ancestry, but ancient disputes over land and customs have divided them from them.
!Act I
[[Act I Outline]]
''Scene 1-1'' : [[Walkthrough 1-1]]
[[Scene 1-2]] : [[Walkthrough 1-2]]
[[Scene 1-3]] : [[Walkthrough 1-3]]
[[Scene 1-4]] : [[Walkthrough 1-4]]
[[Scene 1-5]] : [[Walkthrough 1-5]]
!Act II
[[Act II Outline]]
[[Scene 2-2]]
[[Scene 2-3]]
!Unsorted Dialog
[[Varren-Cainas 01]]
[[Varren-Cainas 02]]
[[Uhlmar-Judecai 01]]
[[Vocifel-Aescher 01]]
[[Cainas-Judecai 01]]
[[Evian-Varren 01]]
[[Vocifel-Aescher 02]]
[[Cainas-Ascendus 01]]
[[In Defense of Tropes]]
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Political Head: [[Duchess Corlin]]
Seat:
Population 15%
Other Nobility: [[Count Alterris]] ([[Sindren]]), various unnamed
Cities of Note: Sindren
Average Standard of Living: Middle Class
Resources: Port commerce, trade with [[Cabal]]
Political Sentiment: Royalist gentry (excepting Alterris), but anti-imperial citizenry
Q: What is Ardor's theme?
A:The theme of an RPG seems occassionally like it was settled before development games. In some cases, we know this to be true - Hironobu Sakaguchi has said publicly that FFVIII's theme is love, and FFX's theme is travel, for example. In other cases, it's almost impossible to miss. In Wild Arms 5, Dean finds a way to work his "Anything is possible as long as you don't give up" diatribe into //every// single cut scene. Ardor's themes are different. When you set out at the macro level to create a world and realistic people within it, details tend to trickle down into the micro level. Ardor's themes owe a bit to fortunate coincidence (or subconscious intent, depending on your views). Occasionally while discussing elements of the story, I'll be able to finish Wayne's sentences, because there are things that just "make sense". They've fallen into place, and it can't happen any other way.
Q: Any examples in particular?
A: As we approached the actual scenario writing, I had a few revelations. We've drawn water from the deep well of European history, sometimes without realizing it. The main characters are swept up by a charismatic but patently insane warmonger into his private army with promises of revenge. At one point I made the connection to Nazi Germany. It's perfectly clear, with just enough difference to put a wall between it and allegory. And the powerful thing about such realizations is that once you see it, you can play off it. People have preconceived notions of good and evil, so to find themselves empathizing with characters who would see everything right in the Axis leadership... Once you realize what you're doing, you might not be so happy with where the story is going. Hopefully, you'll come to that conclusion at about the same time as the characters.
Q: So there isn't an overarching theme?
A: At its core, Ardor is about how you respond to tragedy. Cainas rises above it and never looks back, becoming a beacon of hope for those facing trouble times, while Aescher is exposed to the worst the world has to offer, and becomes something raw and bitter. Their positions are amplified by the story's supernatural elements, but we agreed at the start to avoid the "fight your best friend" cliché, so don't worry about that. Basically we wanted to explore what it means to be a hero. Things like taking lives and facing the consequences, having trusted people turn against you, being a champion to some and a harbinger of death to others.
Q: Is there anything you wanted to put in but didn't?
A: There is. Ardor touches on ideas of slavery and rape - and we were very careful to tread gently there. They were inseparable from the story by the time we got down to brass tacks, but obviously, Wayne and I didn't have much of a frame of reference. Well, Wayne did, a bit more than I did. He'd actually read several non-fiction slave works. I considered briefly adding themes of racism, but it just didn't fit. The first king of Malhaven was a black man, and - well, I need to say this first. It's hard to do different races well in a fantasy world. You can make people from different nations with different cultures, but you can't use things people are familiar with, really. Varren is a dark skinned man. But you can't call him African American. You don't really want to just call him "black" either, because it's not an uncommon enough sight to be remarkable. Isa is dark skinned, but not as dark. I mean, meta-thinking, it's easy to say that Isa is south-Asian, and Varren is African, but what does that translate into when India and Africa don't exist? So on the whole, I left that out. There's a lot of culture creep in Ardor, and I like it that way.
The titanic stone golems given life by [[Caelusel]] to watch over [[Gara Noctur]] in his absence. Initially designed to aid [[Vigilel]] and [[Phalael]], however, they lacked the free will of the [[Seraphim]] and answered to Caelusel first and foremost.
/***
Contains the stuff you need to use Tiddlyspot
Note you must also have UploadPlugin installed
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UHLSIN MARAE: Where stands our progress?
UHLSIN DEZEN: In what wise?
MARAE: In the pursuit of the final Khand.
UHLSIN TERNACH: I believe the weight of that knowledge is placed upon the Third.
DEZEN: Shall I summon him?
TERNACH: Do so.
MARAE: I regret the loss of the Second. The Third's powers are nearly fetid with decay.
TERNACH: He will serve until the Fourth is prepared.
DEZEN: the Third has come.
TERNACH: Bid him enter.
Judecai enters.
Judecai: Honor to the Uhlmar.
MARAE: Welcome, Third Khand. Come forth.
DEZEN: I will be brief. How stands our pursuit of the Fourth?
Judecai: he resists, your holiness. His mind is filled with doubt.
MARAE: Doubt. As a child, he trembles in the darkness. He is as an autumn dried leaf, tossed about by the wind. Proceed with caution, Third Khand.
DEZEN: Use what force is necessary. Do not break the Khand himself. Seek out those things that bind him to this realm. Seek these things out and end them.
Judecai: Your will.
MARAE: Go in peace.
Judecai exits.
DEZEN: I shall watch over his departure.
DEZEN exits.
MARAE: He is weak.
TERNACH: He is a Khand, and is therefore essential. Weak though he may be, his destiny is tied to the Uhlmar.
DEZEN re-enters.
DEZEN: His departure is achieved.
MARAE: Were that it was his final departure. The sight of him sickens me.
TERNACH: His path shall run its circuit. He will turn the Fourth to our will, and in doing so we shall be free to continue our plans for the last son of Odarin. May there come a time when a Khand of our choosing, our making, is the scion of our power, not these genuine but flawed creatures.
MARAE: Until then, I expect the Third to quickly turn the Fourth, that he may quit our presence.
Knights of Sevesel. Defenders of the White Wall.
One of the three members of the Gaz Uhlmar. When conversing among the others, he is a quiet and questioning. When in the presence of others, he is expressive, giving instructions and asking questions.
One of the three members of the Gaz Uhlmar. When conversing among the others, he is contemptuous and skeptical. When in the presence of others, he is supportive and well-mannered.
One of the three members of the Gaz Uhlmar. When conversing among the others, he is a wise voice of reason and very logical. When in the presence of others, he is utterly silent.
| !date | !user | !location | !storeUrl | !uploadDir | !toFilename | !backupdir | !origin |
| 17/02/2008 19:03:58 | Derek | [[/|http://delzhand.tiddlyspot.com/]] | [[store.cgi|http://delzhand.tiddlyspot.com/store.cgi]] | . | [[index.html | http://delzhand.tiddlyspot.com/index.html]] | . |
| 20/02/2008 11:21:46 | Derek | [[/|http://delzhand.tiddlyspot.com/]] | [[store.cgi|http://delzhand.tiddlyspot.com/store.cgi]] | . | [[index.html | http://delzhand.tiddlyspot.com/index.html]] | . |
| 28/02/2008 00:01:34 | Derek | [[/|http://delzhand.tiddlyspot.com/]] | [[store.cgi|http://delzhand.tiddlyspot.com/store.cgi]] | . | [[index.html | http://delzhand.tiddlyspot.com/index.html]] | . | ok |
| 28/02/2008 00:02:21 | Derek | [[/|http://delzhand.tiddlyspot.com/]] | [[store.cgi|http://delzhand.tiddlyspot.com/store.cgi]] | . | [[index.html | http://delzhand.tiddlyspot.com/index.html]] | . |
| 28/02/2008 23:45:40 | Derek | [[/|http://delzhand.tiddlyspot.com/]] | [[store.cgi|http://delzhand.tiddlyspot.com/store.cgi]] | . | [[index.html | http://delzhand.tiddlyspot.com/index.html]] | . | ok |
| 28/02/2008 23:55:26 | Derek | [[/|http://delzhand.tiddlyspot.com/]] | [[store.cgi|http://delzhand.tiddlyspot.com/store.cgi]] | . | [[index.html | http://delzhand.tiddlyspot.com/index.html]] | . |
| 05/03/2008 19:21:56 | Derek | [[/|http://delzhand.tiddlyspot.com/]] | [[store.cgi|http://delzhand.tiddlyspot.com/store.cgi]] | . | [[index.html | http://delzhand.tiddlyspot.com/index.html]] | . |
| 26/03/2008 10:58:29 | Derek | [[/|http://delzhand.tiddlyspot.com/]] | [[store.cgi|http://delzhand.tiddlyspot.com/store.cgi]] | . | [[index.html | http://delzhand.tiddlyspot.com/index.html]] | . | ok |
| 26/03/2008 11:27:13 | Derek | [[/|http://delzhand.tiddlyspot.com/]] | [[store.cgi|http://delzhand.tiddlyspot.com/store.cgi]] | . | [[index.html | http://delzhand.tiddlyspot.com/index.html]] | . |
| 04/04/2008 23:03:10 | Derek | [[/|http://delzhand.tiddlyspot.com/]] | [[store.cgi|http://delzhand.tiddlyspot.com/store.cgi]] | . | [[index.html | http://delzhand.tiddlyspot.com/index.html]] | . |
/***
|''Name:''|PasswordOptionPlugin|
|''Description:''|Extends TiddlyWiki options with non encrypted password option.|
|''Version:''|1.0.2|
|''Date:''|Apr 19, 2007|
|''Source:''|http://tiddlywiki.bidix.info/#PasswordOptionPlugin|
|''Author:''|BidiX (BidiX (at) bidix (dot) info)|
|''License:''|[[BSD open source license|http://tiddlywiki.bidix.info/#%5B%5BBSD%20open%20source%20license%5D%5D ]]|
|''~CoreVersion:''|2.2.0 (Beta 5)|
***/
//{{{
version.extensions.PasswordOptionPlugin = {
major: 1, minor: 0, revision: 2,
date: new Date("Apr 19, 2007"),
source: 'http://tiddlywiki.bidix.info/#PasswordOptionPlugin',
author: 'BidiX (BidiX (at) bidix (dot) info',
license: '[[BSD open source license|http://tiddlywiki.bidix.info/#%5B%5BBSD%20open%20source%20license%5D%5D]]',
coreVersion: '2.2.0 (Beta 5)'
};
config.macros.option.passwordCheckboxLabel = "Save this password on this computer";
config.macros.option.passwordInputType = "password"; // password | text
setStylesheet(".pasOptionInput {width: 11em;}\n","passwordInputTypeStyle");
merge(config.macros.option.types, {
'pas': {
elementType: "input",
valueField: "value",
eventName: "onkeyup",
className: "pasOptionInput",
typeValue: config.macros.option.passwordInputType,
create: function(place,type,opt,className,desc) {
// password field
config.macros.option.genericCreate(place,'pas',opt,className,desc);
// checkbox linked with this password "save this password on this computer"
config.macros.option.genericCreate(place,'chk','chk'+opt,className,desc);
// text savePasswordCheckboxLabel
place.appendChild(document.createTextNode(config.macros.option.passwordCheckboxLabel));
},
onChange: config.macros.option.genericOnChange
}
});
merge(config.optionHandlers['chk'], {
get: function(name) {
// is there an option linked with this chk ?
var opt = name.substr(3);
if (config.options[opt])
saveOptionCookie(opt);
return config.options[name] ? "true" : "false";
}
});
merge(config.optionHandlers, {
'pas': {
get: function(name) {
if (config.options["chk"+name]) {
return encodeCookie(config.options[name].toString());
} else {
return "";
}
},
set: function(name,value) {config.options[name] = decodeCookie(value);}
}
});
// need to reload options to load passwordOptions
loadOptionsCookie();
/*
if (!config.options['pasPassword'])
config.options['pasPassword'] = '';
merge(config.optionsDesc,{
pasPassword: "Test password"
});
*/
//}}}
/***
|''Name:''|UploadPlugin|
|''Description:''|Save to web a TiddlyWiki|
|''Version:''|4.1.0|
|''Date:''|May 5, 2007|
|''Source:''|http://tiddlywiki.bidix.info/#UploadPlugin|
|''Documentation:''|http://tiddlywiki.bidix.info/#UploadPluginDoc|
|''Author:''|BidiX (BidiX (at) bidix (dot) info)|
|''License:''|[[BSD open source license|http://tiddlywiki.bidix.info/#%5B%5BBSD%20open%20source%20license%5D%5D ]]|
|''~CoreVersion:''|2.2.0 (#3125)|
|''Requires:''|PasswordOptionPlugin|
***/
//{{{
version.extensions.UploadPlugin = {
major: 4, minor: 1, revision: 0,
date: new Date("May 5, 2007"),
source: 'http://tiddlywiki.bidix.info/#UploadPlugin',
author: 'BidiX (BidiX (at) bidix (dot) info',
coreVersion: '2.2.0 (#3125)'
};
//
// Environment
//
if (!window.bidix) window.bidix = {}; // bidix namespace
bidix.debugMode = false; // true to activate both in Plugin and UploadService
//
// Upload Macro
//
config.macros.upload = {
// default values
defaultBackupDir: '', //no backup
defaultStoreScript: "store.php",
defaultToFilename: "index.html",
defaultUploadDir: ".",
authenticateUser: true // UploadService Authenticate User
};
config.macros.upload.label = {
promptOption: "Save and Upload this TiddlyWiki with UploadOptions",
promptParamMacro: "Save and Upload this TiddlyWiki in %0",
saveLabel: "save to web",
saveToDisk: "save to disk",
uploadLabel: "upload"
};
config.macros.upload.messages = {
noStoreUrl: "No store URL in parmeters or options",
usernameOrPasswordMissing: "Username or password missing"
};
config.macros.upload.handler = function(place,macroName,params) {
if (readOnly)
return;
var label;
if (document.location.toString().substr(0,4) == "http")
label = this.label.saveLabel;
else
label = this.label.uploadLabel;
var prompt;
if (params[0]) {
prompt = this.label.promptParamMacro.toString().format([this.destFile(params[0],
(params[1] ? params[1]:bidix.basename(window.location.toString())), params[3])]);
} else {
prompt = this.label.promptOption;
}
createTiddlyButton(place, label, prompt, function() {config.macros.upload.action(params);}, null, null, this.accessKey);
};
config.macros.upload.action = function(params)
{
// for missing macro parameter set value from options
var storeUrl = params[0] ? params[0] : config.options.txtUploadStoreUrl;
var toFilename = params[1] ? params[1] : config.options.txtUploadFilename;
var backupDir = params[2] ? params[2] : config.options.txtUploadBackupDir;
var uploadDir = params[3] ? params[3] : config.options.txtUploadDir;
var username = params[4] ? params[4] : config.options.txtUploadUserName;
var password = config.options.pasUploadPassword; // for security reason no password as macro parameter
// for still missing parameter set default value
if ((!storeUrl) && (document.location.toString().substr(0,4) == "http"))
storeUrl = bidix.dirname(document.location.toString())+'/'+config.macros.upload.defaultStoreScript;
if (storeUrl.substr(0,4) != "http")
storeUrl = bidix.dirname(document.location.toString()) +'/'+ storeUrl;
if (!toFilename)
toFilename = bidix.basename(window.location.toString());
if (!toFilename)
toFilename = config.macros.upload.defaultToFilename;
if (!uploadDir)
uploadDir = config.macros.upload.defaultUploadDir;
if (!backupDir)
backupDir = config.macros.upload.defaultBackupDir;
// report error if still missing
if (!storeUrl) {
alert(config.macros.upload.messages.noStoreUrl);
clearMessage();
return false;
}
if (config.macros.upload.authenticateUser && (!username || !password)) {
alert(config.macros.upload.messages.usernameOrPasswordMissing);
clearMessage();
return false;
}
bidix.upload.uploadChanges(false,null,storeUrl, toFilename, uploadDir, backupDir, username, password);
return false;
};
config.macros.upload.destFile = function(storeUrl, toFilename, uploadDir)
{
if (!storeUrl)
return null;
var dest = bidix.dirname(storeUrl);
if (uploadDir && uploadDir != '.')
dest = dest + '/' + uploadDir;
dest = dest + '/' + toFilename;
return dest;
};
//
// uploadOptions Macro
//
config.macros.uploadOptions = {
handler: function(place,macroName,params) {
var wizard = new Wizard();
wizard.createWizard(place,this.wizardTitle);
wizard.addStep(this.step1Title,this.step1Html);
var markList = wizard.getElement("markList");
var listWrapper = document.createElement("div");
markList.parentNode.insertBefore(listWrapper,markList);
wizard.setValue("listWrapper",listWrapper);
this.refreshOptions(listWrapper,false);
var uploadCaption;
if (document.location.toString().substr(0,4) == "http")
uploadCaption = config.macros.upload.label.saveLabel;
else
uploadCaption = config.macros.upload.label.uploadLabel;
wizard.setButtons([
{caption: uploadCaption, tooltip: config.macros.upload.label.promptOption,
onClick: config.macros.upload.action},
{caption: this.cancelButton, tooltip: this.cancelButtonPrompt, onClick: this.onCancel}
]);
},
refreshOptions: function(listWrapper) {
var uploadOpts = [
"txtUploadUserName",
"pasUploadPassword",
"txtUploadStoreUrl",
"txtUploadDir",
"txtUploadFilename",
"txtUploadBackupDir",
"chkUploadLog",
"txtUploadLogMaxLine",
]
var opts = [];
for(i=0; i<uploadOpts.length; i++) {
var opt = {};
opts.push()
opt.option = "";
n = uploadOpts[i];
opt.name = n;
opt.lowlight = !config.optionsDesc[n];
opt.description = opt.lowlight ? this.unknownDescription : config.optionsDesc[n];
opts.push(opt);
}
var listview = ListView.create(listWrapper,opts,this.listViewTemplate);
for(n=0; n<opts.length; n++) {
var type = opts[n].name.substr(0,3);
var h = config.macros.option.types[type];
if (h && h.create) {
h.create(opts[n].colElements['option'],type,opts[n].name,opts[n].name,"no");
}
}
},
onCancel: function(e)
{
backstage.switchTab(null);
return false;
},
wizardTitle: "Upload with options",
step1Title: "These options are saved in cookies in your browser",
step1Html: "<input type='hidden' name='markList'></input><br>",
cancelButton: "Cancel",
cancelButtonPrompt: "Cancel prompt",
listViewTemplate: {
columns: [
{name: 'Description', field: 'description', title: "Description", type: 'WikiText'},
{name: 'Option', field: 'option', title: "Option", type: 'String'},
{name: 'Name', field: 'name', title: "Name", type: 'String'}
],
rowClasses: [
{className: 'lowlight', field: 'lowlight'}
]}
}
//
// upload functions
//
if (!bidix.upload) bidix.upload = {};
if (!bidix.upload.messages) bidix.upload.messages = {
//from saving
invalidFileError: "The original file '%0' does not appear to be a valid TiddlyWiki",
backupSaved: "Backup saved",
backupFailed: "Failed to upload backup file",
rssSaved: "RSS feed uploaded",
rssFailed: "Failed to upload RSS feed file",
emptySaved: "Empty template uploaded",
emptyFailed: "Failed to upload empty template file",
mainSaved: "Main TiddlyWiki file uploaded",
mainFailed: "Failed to upload main TiddlyWiki file. Your changes have not been saved",
//specific upload
loadOriginalHttpPostError: "Can't get original file",
aboutToSaveOnHttpPost: 'About to upload on %0 ...',
storePhpNotFound: "The store script '%0' was not found."
};
bidix.upload.uploadChanges = function(onlyIfDirty,notes,storeUrl,toFilename,uploadDir,backupDir,username,password)
{
var callback = function(status,uploadParams,original,url,xhr) {
if (!status) {
displayMessage(bidix.upload.messages.loadOriginalHttpPostError);
return;
}
if (bidix.debugMode)
alert(original.substr(0,500)+"\n...");
// Locate the storeArea div's
var posDiv = locateStoreArea(original);
if((posDiv[0] == -1) || (posDiv[1] == -1)) {
alert(config.messages.invalidFileError.format([localPath]));
return;
}
bidix.upload.uploadRss(uploadParams,original,posDiv);
};
if(onlyIfDirty && !store.isDirty())
return;
clearMessage();
// save on localdisk ?
if (document.location.toString().substr(0,4) == "file") {
var path = document.location.toString();
var localPath = getLocalPath(path);
saveChanges();
}
// get original
var uploadParams = Array(storeUrl,toFilename,uploadDir,backupDir,username,password);
var originalPath = document.location.toString();
// If url is a directory : add index.html
if (originalPath.charAt(originalPath.length-1) == "/")
originalPath = originalPath + "index.html";
var dest = config.macros.upload.destFile(storeUrl,toFilename,uploadDir);
var log = new bidix.UploadLog();
log.startUpload(storeUrl, dest, uploadDir, backupDir);
displayMessage(bidix.upload.messages.aboutToSaveOnHttpPost.format([dest]));
if (bidix.debugMode)
alert("about to execute Http - GET on "+originalPath);
var r = doHttp("GET",originalPath,null,null,null,null,callback,uploadParams,null);
if (typeof r == "string")
displayMessage(r);
return r;
};
bidix.upload.uploadRss = function(uploadParams,original,posDiv)
{
var callback = function(status,params,responseText,url,xhr) {
if(status) {
var destfile = responseText.substring(responseText.indexOf("destfile:")+9,responseText.indexOf("\n", responseText.indexOf("destfile:")));
displayMessage(bidix.upload.messages.rssSaved,bidix.dirname(url)+'/'+destfile);
bidix.upload.uploadMain(params[0],params[1],params[2]);
} else {
displayMessage(bidix.upload.messages.rssFailed);
}
};
// do uploadRss
if(config.options.chkGenerateAnRssFeed) {
var rssPath = uploadParams[1].substr(0,uploadParams[1].lastIndexOf(".")) + ".xml";
var rssUploadParams = Array(uploadParams[0],rssPath,uploadParams[2],'',uploadParams[4],uploadParams[5]);
bidix.upload.httpUpload(rssUploadParams,convertUnicodeToUTF8(generateRss()),callback,Array(uploadParams,original,posDiv));
} else {
bidix.upload.uploadMain(uploadParams,original,posDiv);
}
};
bidix.upload.uploadMain = function(uploadParams,original,posDiv)
{
var callback = function(status,params,responseText,url,xhr) {
var log = new bidix.UploadLog();
if(status) {
// if backupDir specified
if ((params[3]) && (responseText.indexOf("backupfile:") > -1)) {
var backupfile = responseText.substring(responseText.indexOf("backupfile:")+11,responseText.indexOf("\n", responseText.indexOf("backupfile:")));
displayMessage(bidix.upload.messages.backupSaved,bidix.dirname(url)+'/'+backupfile);
}
var destfile = responseText.substring(responseText.indexOf("destfile:")+9,responseText.indexOf("\n", responseText.indexOf("destfile:")));
displayMessage(bidix.upload.messages.mainSaved,bidix.dirname(url)+'/'+destfile);
store.setDirty(false);
log.endUpload("ok");
} else {
alert(bidix.upload.messages.mainFailed);
displayMessage(bidix.upload.messages.mainFailed);
log.endUpload("failed");
}
};
// do uploadMain
var revised = bidix.upload.updateOriginal(original,posDiv);
bidix.upload.httpUpload(uploadParams,revised,callback,uploadParams);
};
bidix.upload.httpUpload = function(uploadParams,data,callback,params)
{
var localCallback = function(status,params,responseText,url,xhr) {
url = (url.indexOf("nocache=") < 0 ? url : url.substring(0,url.indexOf("nocache=")-1));
if (xhr.status == httpStatus.NotFound)
alert(bidix.upload.messages.storePhpNotFound.format([url]));
if ((bidix.debugMode) || (responseText.indexOf("Debug mode") >= 0 )) {
alert(responseText);
if (responseText.indexOf("Debug mode") >= 0 )
responseText = responseText.substring(responseText.indexOf("\n\n")+2);
} else if (responseText.charAt(0) != '0')
alert(responseText);
if (responseText.charAt(0) != '0')
status = null;
callback(status,params,responseText,url,xhr);
};
// do httpUpload
var boundary = "---------------------------"+"AaB03x";
var uploadFormName = "UploadPlugin";
// compose headers data
var sheader = "";
sheader += "--" + boundary + "\r\nContent-disposition: form-data; name=\"";
sheader += uploadFormName +"\"\r\n\r\n";
sheader += "backupDir="+uploadParams[3] +
";user=" + uploadParams[4] +
";password=" + uploadParams[5] +
";uploaddir=" + uploadParams[2];
if (bidix.debugMode)
sheader += ";debug=1";
sheader += ";;\r\n";
sheader += "\r\n" + "--" + boundary + "\r\n";
sheader += "Content-disposition: form-data; name=\"userfile\"; filename=\""+uploadParams[1]+"\"\r\n";
sheader += "Content-Type: text/html;charset=UTF-8" + "\r\n";
sheader += "Content-Length: " + data.length + "\r\n\r\n";
// compose trailer data
var strailer = new String();
strailer = "\r\n--" + boundary + "--\r\n";
data = sheader + data + strailer;
if (bidix.debugMode) alert("about to execute Http - POST on "+uploadParams[0]+"\n with \n"+data.substr(0,500)+ " ... ");
var r = doHttp("POST",uploadParams[0],data,"multipart/form-data; boundary="+boundary,uploadParams[4],uploadParams[5],localCallback,params,null);
if (typeof r == "string")
displayMessage(r);
return r;
};
// same as Saving's updateOriginal but without convertUnicodeToUTF8 calls
bidix.upload.updateOriginal = function(original, posDiv)
{
if (!posDiv)
posDiv = locateStoreArea(original);
if((posDiv[0] == -1) || (posDiv[1] == -1)) {
alert(config.messages.invalidFileError.format([localPath]));
return;
}
var revised = original.substr(0,posDiv[0] + startSaveArea.length) + "\n" +
store.allNotesAsHtml() + "\n" +
original.substr(posDiv[1]);
var newSiteTitle = getPageTitle().htmlEncode();
revised = revised.replaceChunk("<title"+">","</title"+">"," " + newSiteTitle + " ");
revised = updateMarkupBlock(revised,"PRE-HEAD","MarkupPreHead");
revised = updateMarkupBlock(revised,"POST-HEAD","MarkupPostHead");
revised = updateMarkupBlock(revised,"PRE-BODY","MarkupPreBody");
revised = updateMarkupBlock(revised,"POST-SCRIPT","MarkupPostBody");
return revised;
};
//
// UploadLog
//
// config.options.chkUploadLog :
// false : no logging
// true : logging
// config.options.txtUploadLogMaxLine :
// -1 : no limit
// 0 : no Log lines but UploadLog is still in place
// n : the last n lines are only kept
// NaN : no limit (-1)
bidix.UploadLog = function() {
if (!config.options.chkUploadLog)
return; // this.note = null
this.note = store.getNote("UploadLog");
if (!this.note) {
this.note = new Note();
this.note.title = "UploadLog";
this.note.text = "| !date | !user | !location | !storeUrl | !uploadDir | !toFilename | !backupdir | !origin |";
this.note.created = new Date();
this.note.modifier = config.options.txtUserName;
this.note.modified = new Date();
store.addNote(this.note);
}
return this;
};
bidix.UploadLog.prototype.addText = function(text) {
if (!this.note)
return;
// retrieve maxLine when we need it
var maxLine = parseInt(config.options.txtUploadLogMaxLine,10);
if (isNaN(maxLine))
maxLine = -1;
// add text
if (maxLine != 0)
this.note.text = this.note.text + text;
// Trunck to maxLine
if (maxLine >= 0) {
var textArray = this.note.text.split('\n');
if (textArray.length > maxLine + 1)
textArray.splice(1,textArray.length-1-maxLine);
this.note.text = textArray.join('\n');
}
// update note fields
this.note.modifier = config.options.txtUserName;
this.note.modified = new Date();
store.addNote(this.note);
// refresh and notifiy for immediate update
story.refreshNote(this.note.title);
store.notify(this.note.title, true);
};
bidix.UploadLog.prototype.startUpload = function(storeUrl, toFilename, uploadDir, backupDir) {
if (!this.note)
return;
var now = new Date();
var text = "\n| ";
var filename = bidix.basename(document.location.toString());
if (!filename) filename = '/';
text += now.formatString("0DD/0MM/YYYY 0hh:0mm:0ss") +" | ";
text += config.options.txtUserName + " | ";
text += "[["+filename+"|"+location + "]] |";
text += " [[" + bidix.basename(storeUrl) + "|" + storeUrl + "]] | ";
text += uploadDir + " | ";
text += "[[" + bidix.basename(toFilename) + " | " +toFilename + "]] | ";
text += backupDir + " |";
this.addText(text);
};
bidix.UploadLog.prototype.endUpload = function(status) {
if (!this.note)
return;
this.addText(" "+status+" |");
};
//
// Utilities
//
bidix.checkPlugin = function(plugin, major, minor, revision) {
var ext = version.extensions[plugin];
if (!
(ext &&
((ext.major > major) ||
((ext.major == major) && (ext.minor > minor)) ||
((ext.major == major) && (ext.minor == minor) && (ext.revision >= revision))))) {
// write error in PluginManager
if (pluginInfo)
pluginInfo.log.push("Requires " + plugin + " " + major + "." + minor + "." + revision);
eval(plugin); // generate an error : "Error: ReferenceError: xxxx is not defined"
}
};
bidix.dirname = function(filePath) {
if (!filePath)
return;
var lastpos;
if ((lastpos = filePath.lastIndexOf("/")) != -1) {
return filePath.substring(0, lastpos);
} else {
return filePath.substring(0, filePath.lastIndexOf("\\"));
}
};
bidix.basename = function(filePath) {
if (!filePath)
return;
var lastpos;
if ((lastpos = filePath.lastIndexOf("#")) != -1)
filePath = filePath.substring(0, lastpos);
if ((lastpos = filePath.lastIndexOf("/")) != -1) {
return filePath.substring(lastpos + 1);
} else
return filePath.substring(filePath.lastIndexOf("\\")+1);
};
bidix.initOption = function(name,value) {
if (!config.options[name])
config.options[name] = value;
};
//
// Initializations
//
// require PasswordOptionPlugin 1.0.1 or better
bidix.checkPlugin("PasswordOptionPlugin", 1, 0, 1);
// styleSheet
setStylesheet('.txtUploadStoreUrl, .txtUploadBackupDir, .txtUploadDir {width: 22em;}',"uploadPluginStyles");
//optionsDesc
merge(config.optionsDesc,{
txtUploadStoreUrl: "Url of the UploadService script (default: store.php)",
txtUploadFilename: "Filename of the uploaded file (default: in index.html)",
txtUploadDir: "Relative Directory where to store the file (default: . (downloadService directory))",
txtUploadBackupDir: "Relative Directory where to backup the file. If empty no backup. (default: ''(empty))",
txtUploadUserName: "Upload Username",
pasUploadPassword: "Upload Password",
chkUploadLog: "do Logging in UploadLog (default: true)",
txtUploadLogMaxLine: "Maximum of lines in UploadLog (default: 10)"
});
// Options Initializations
bidix.initOption('txtUploadStoreUrl','');
bidix.initOption('txtUploadFilename','');
bidix.initOption('txtUploadDir','');
bidix.initOption('txtUploadBackupDir','');
bidix.initOption('txtUploadUserName','');
bidix.initOption('pasUploadPassword','');
bidix.initOption('chkUploadLog',true);
bidix.initOption('txtUploadLogMaxLine','10');
/* don't want this for tiddlyspot sites
// Backstage
merge(config.tasks,{
uploadOptions: {text: "upload", tooltip: "Change UploadOptions and Upload", content: '<<uploadOptions>>'}
});
config.backstageTasks.push("uploadOptions");
*/
//}}}
The building where the [[Malhaven House of Lords]] meets.
Age: 27
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 163 lbs
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Black
!!!Background
Varren is the son of [[Duke Greiling Melkan]], and next in line to inherit the mountain fortress of [[Ferrengard]]. However, he spends as little time there as possible. His father was frequently absent during his formative years, and he was raised instead by the finest tutors and scholars in Malhaven. He was a quick student, and realized early on that his father was grooming him for a political career, something he had little interest in. Discouraged by how much work it took for his father to accomplish any good in [[Valiset]], he decided to join the [[Resistance]] and attempt the same work as his father through more direct action. The Melkan family lost much of their wealth when the profitable mines in southern Malhaven were surrendered to [[Versain]] as part of [[Morant Odarin]]'s peace treaty. As such, he holds a natural grudge against Versain and its citizens.
!!!Appearance
The Melkan line is descended from the dark-skinned people of Gaz Usul. Varren has a lighter complexion than his father, but still much darker than the majority of [[Malhaven]]'s citizens. He has deep blue eyes and long black hair which is usually bound in the traditional Gaz Usul style of dreadlocks bound once just above the shoulderline. He wears the formal attire of his house, but in a shabby, purposefully disrespectful way. His jacket is left open and his shirt is usually unbuttoned halfway.
!!!Development
Varren is a passionate man prone to acting first and thinking later. He recognizes this fact, and usually allows his trusted lieutenant [[Salas Metron]] a chance to offer a dissenting opinion when it comes to Resistance matters. He jokes easily and often, and can usually be counted on to lighten the mood. There are occasional accusations that he doesn't understand the gravity of a situation, but this is not usually the case. He may tend to jest to quickly, but it is almost always a deliberate attempt to lighten the mood. Although he looks to Cainas as a leader, he also quietly resents him - when [[Retel Odarin]] is enthroned, Cainas is given the military position that Varren was striving for.
!!!Abilities
Varren's abilities tend to direct damage. His extended weapon range allows him to attack at a greater distance than most other players, and most of his offensive abilities are straight damage. He does not have many unique defensive abilities.
!!!Powers
<<gradient vert #333 #333>>@@color:white;SPOILER ALERT (HIGHLIGHT TO READ)@@Varren is not a scion of either major power, and his ability to use magic comes instead from his affinity to Cainas or Aescher. Once a certain plot point occurs, Varren will begin to gain points for his time spent in battle with either of them, which allow him to use spells from either tree.>>
!!!Skill
Varren's special skill is Influence. This skill is used to gain discounts on items and access to certain areas and information. The party has a collective influence stat which is the sum total of all players' individual stat. Varren begins the game with this skill and can immediately train any other character.
!!!Armor
Varren begins the game with his House Attire, and eventually upgrades to a Lieutenant's Brigandine. He can also purchase the standard hot/cold weather gear.
!!!Weapon
Varren is the only playable character proficient in the use of a polearm. He joins the party with a Light Spear, and can obtain a Cruel Halberd later on. In Azakair, his particular sidequest can earn him an Azakiri Spatra (a type of twin-bladed halberd). His final weapon is undetermined.
Scene: Battlefield after the fighting
CAINAS: What a waste.
VARREN: Look at this. Such a shame, at his age. He was a courageous lad.
CAINAS: Did you know him?
VARREN: Not in the least. But I can plainly see there was deep steel in him. I mean, the Blackguard put it there, but it's there all the same.
CAINAS: That's not funny. Show some respect for the dead.
VARREN: I don't think he minds, but I'll ask.
EVIAN: Rotten boor...
VARREN: Why do you keep her counsel?
CAINAS: She opens up to me in a way you wouldn't understand. Despite the way she talks to you, she is pained with remorse.
VARREN: Remorse? Remorse?!
CAINAS: Calm down, Varren. She stays with me, and as long as you do as well, I ask that you not provoke her.
VARREN: This is an outrage! Has it been so long since we enjoyed the sights and sounds of Revemeurs? Since our rotting emperor nearly gutted Aescher?
CAINAS: I haven't forgotten. But what's done is done.
VARREN: She sold us out to the Emperor! She cost me my eye!
CAINAS: ...
VARREN: Say something! Acknowledge this!
VARREN lifts his eyepatch, revealing a milky white eye.
CAINAS: ...
VARREN: Are you fucking her?
CAINAS: That's none of your business.
VARREN: ...You are! I can't believe this! I'll kill her!
The youngest son of Odarin, Veld was chosen for the clergy from birth. He studied high magics and he priesthood abroad, and has spent little time in his birth country. An outsider in both military and government circles in Malhaven, he is not often thought of in terms of the throne back home. However, the Gaz Uhlmar, finding both Morant and Retel unacceptable, crowned him Imperator on the eve of his 14th birthday. A shrewd young man, he is a genius of politics, and a prodigy of situational manipulation. The feared Fal'harain guard him at all times.
Emotionally cold and virtually unknown at home, he seems a longshot for a claim at the throne. His strength lies in that the leaders of the world nearly universally recognize him as the rightful heir, as he was chosen by the Gaz Uhlmar. Versain, however, will never support his claim, as they fear being overrun by both Malhaven and Dinaved.
Veld is actually very similar to the Egleth priests, and represents a daring step by the Uhlmar. During his studies, he was the subject of many arcane experiments, attempts by the Uhlmar to create an artificial Khand to preserve their own power. On some level they succeeded, and Veld's vast powers prevented him from the physical degeneration and mutation encountered by Egleth practitioners.
The mountain range that divides upper and lower [[Eadra]]. Within this range is located [[Versain]] and the [[Pass of Migara]]. It is also the location of the rich mines that once belonged to the [[Duke Greiling Melkan]]'s ancestors.
Versain is a country born of war, and has never known true peace. When armies of a long ago war between Dinaved and Malhaven were stranded in the mountainous region of (what used to be) Malhaven's south border, they instigated a mass defection from military action on both sides. Representatives came together from both sides to create a new nation. Versain is a small nation, with only the capital city and a few military outposts, but because of its location, its defenses are nearly inpenetrable. This is the sole reason it has remained a sovereign nation, although the development of national intelligence and a feared combat specialist "Blackguard" division have recently come into play. Versain has taken great strides to protect their most vulnerable position, resulting in one of the most powerful naval fleets in the world.
While the defending Dinaved was reasonably upset with Versain's formation, they begrudgingly accepted it. Occassionally, an upstart faction will gain enough followers to attempt an incursion into Versain territory, but none have gained enough traction to make serious headway.
Since Malhaven was the aggressor in the war that resulted in Versain, they were much more upset at the loss not only of significant troops, but also a large portion of land that included some of the richest mines on the continent. Many citizens of Malhaven consider Versain a sworn and hated enemy. Morant's non-aggression pact only serves as a constant irritant to a population that sees Versain's continued existance as an insult.
The ruling body of [[Versain]].
Versain's standing army. Commanded by Versain's ruling body.
[[Elder]] [[Seraphim]], and [[Vocifel]]'s only rival in combat. Keeper of Law, known to some [[Lesser Seraphim]] simply as the "Executioner." Enforces order in [[Gara Noctur]].
See [[Vocifel and Serai]]
In the era the preceded what is commonly referred to as the [[Khandra Uhl'domin]], the Firstborn of the Seraphim, [[Caelusel]], gathered to him a multitude of strange energies, creating from the stillness creatures that were like unto him in appearance. Among these first were the Keepers of Light and Order, [[Luminel]] and [[Vigilel]], and the Keeper of the Word, [[Ohmael]]. With them, however, came the need for power, and Caelusel saw the beasts of his domain, ancient creatures of earth and shadow, and knew that while there was need for structure and law, he knew that it would serve him to craft from these same energies a being born to destroy. It was from this need for balance that [[Vocifel]] was raised from the aether.
In the early centuries of the reign of the Firstborn, when the world was young, Vocifel was the sword-arm of the Firstborn, engaged in constant struggle with the god beasts of the untamed wilds beyond the great citadel of [[Gara Noctur]]. In this commitment, Vocifel knew many victories, slaying all the earthen gods, save one, the great beast, [[Khand]]. For decades, Vocifel tracked and battled the mighty Lord of Earth, but to no avail. The Seraphim of War knew his final, crushing defeat on the plains at [[Fel Makar]], where Khand spared him only to assure that his displeasure was understood Caelusel’s court. Vocifel, having no more wars to fight, came back to the citadel in disgrace, entreating the mercy and aid of the Firstborn in toppling the great titan.
It was during this time that Caelusel had begun the first of many absences from his dominion, languishing for many centuries in his hermitage, The Silentium. When Vocifel arrived at Gara Noctur, sowing dischord and rousing the Seraphim with cries of vengeance, the Firstborn admonished him, and struck him down in the midst of court. He was at this time stripped of his duties and compelled to spend his days in the citadel as a servant of the peace.
In the long span of years that Vocifel spent under the heel of Vigilel’s command, his gaze came to rest on a Lesser Seraphim, a child of Caelusel’s own hand, [[Serai]]. The maiden was one of the first female Seraphim imbued by the Firstborn with the [[keter’lebn]], the divine life breathed into the Elder in their first moments of being. In the absence of the Firstborn, Vocifel, unable to rein in his warlike ways, eschewed murder and gave way to insatiable lust. Without the Firstborn to adjudicate, Vocifel was able to awake in Serai her own desires, and the two became the first and only amongst the Seraphim to become lovers.
As Vocifel came to reckon the potential of their physical coupling, his haughtiness began to soar. He came to believe that the Firstborn had kept the Seraphim from enjoying the pleasures of the body in order to assure that creation was his power and his alone. In this theorizing, Vocifel was not far removed from the truth, but his recklessness came to bear when he inspired thousands of Lesser to join him in an uprising, claiming the Firstborn to have abandoned them. He proclaimed himself [[Seraf-meylekh]], the King of all Seraphim, and sprang upon the empty court, wherein were only taciturn Ohmael and gentle [[Septimel]] (Keeper of Song, a favorite of the Firstborn), and gained the dais and approached the massive throne of [[Amul’ghan]], where Caelusel first walked the Earth. The very moment he stepped within the circle of light which surrounded the enclosure, Vigilel emerged in full shield and flame. The two beings clashed wordlessly, evenly matched and compelled to battle to the finish. During the interminable melee, Vocifel’s rebellion was smashed, and Serai, seeing the doom that awaited them, abandoned the engagement to fight at her lover’s side. When Serai saw that both Vigilel and Vocifel were gravely wounded, she knew that she could strike a killing blow and escape. As the two Elder grappled with each other, Serai produced a poison blade of her own making, the [[Sammeser]], and as she went to strike Vigilel, she instead drove her sword into the heart of Septimel, who, grieved that his brothers should quarrel on sacred ground, had climbed the dais to entreat them to cease their duel. With a great shrieking and a burst of light, Septimel’s body became again one with the aether. It was in this way that Serai became the first murderer among the Seraphim.
Unable to stem the sudden rage of Vigilel, Vocifel was engulfed in a column of flame, and defeated. Serai made an attempt to attack, but was repelled savagely and undone by the Keeper of Order. Alarmed by the death of one of his beloved, Caelusel arrived at Gara Noctur in a triumph of stormclouds and spoke to no one. When he looked upon Vocifel, he took hold of him and bade him look into his eyes. When Vocifel obeyed, his own eyes were burned from their sockets and he was left writhing in agony. Caelusel similarly punished Serai, tearing from her throat the power of speech. He then chained them and dragged them through the citadel and imprisoned them in the unknowable chambers of The [[Silentium]]. To prevent any such uprising from occurring again, the Firstborn crafted from the stones of Amul'ghan three automatons to rule in his long absence. These beings were venerated and enthroned and worshipped as the [[Tribunal]].
As the centuries passed, Vocifel and Serai suffered in darkness. The Firstborn, given to madness brought upon him by the influence of the Enigma of [[Arctur]], forgot them in their imprisonment. As he sought to achieve his mad desire to transcend the Enigma’s power, Vocifel and Serai, long free of their bonds, seized upon him in his great chapel and cast him into the void. However, with the Firstborn vanquished, the Seraphim fell to the arcane magics of the [[Magi of Ausbreitung]] and the [[Cataclysm of the Leviathan]], and the [[Pennatus Aeternus]] was made dark. Vocifel and Serai were sealed in the darkness of the unnatural depths of The Silentium, and have there remained these millennia.
VOCIFEL: In the destruction wrought by my hands, there shall be purity.
AESCHER: This is madness...
VOCIFEL: No more mad than your petty wars. You raze and burn, rape and kill, overturn the very justice you preach and dare to call this madness. Well, I tell you, the true madness is in your lives. Each human life is identified by its pain, from your inception to your deaths. You are all of you animals, scraped together from the scraps of divinity and spread across the land like a mephitic humor.
AESCHER: You're no better. No different.
VOCIFEL: Have you eyes, man-thing? We Seraphim came first, but our powers were unfettered. No shell could hold us, and our Lord felt it necessary to diminish our number. Then He made you, crafted from our weak parts, and set you to multiply. How I hate to look upon you. Your flesh decays so quickly.
AESCHER: Why the artifice, then? Why wait to destroy us? If you hate us so, why haven't you done anything until now?
VOCIFEL: Because the Lord has seen the error of His ways, and has given me my former glory to wreak His vengeance. With this power, I could wipe clean the land with a sweep of my arm.
AESCHER: Then do it! Enough with your talk. Do it now!
VOCIFEL: I will not! You humans don't disappear so easily. Your bodies gone, your spirits linger, polluting the very air we breathe, sullying our glory and obscuring our vision. Even at the moment of your death you cling strongly to the idea that you will persist, that your soul will go on. And so they do. You must be made to despair before the cleansing. You must die in doubt. And despair you shall. I will bring the world to its knees. Only then shall you see His mercy clearly.
AESCHER: I see it clearly enough. In finishing you, I will be doubly merciful.
VOCIFEL: Come forth, human. Look into my eyes. Gaze upon the brilliance of eternity!
(This dialogue takes place after the fall of Veld, but before the party’s arrival at Gara Noctur. For the time being, let us allow for the possibility that this scene takes place at a Seraphim citadel in Azakair. The two speak alone.)
VOCIFEL: It is amusing, is it not, how time has repaid us, Firstborn. When last I beheld you, I thought you a vanquished god. I thought myself a wretched traitor. At last I see the error of my judgment.
AESCHER: Why have you called me here?
VOCIFEL: You put too much stock in your trinket. The sword led you to me. I did not summon you.
AESCHER: Then why am I here? What is all of this?
VOCIFEL: I see now that you are just flesh, Firstborn. That you made me to destroy, and for no other purpose. That you feared me and that is why you cast me aside.
AESCHER: What is this constant rhetoric? You call me Firstborn. Why?
VOCIFEL: Enough deception, Caelusel! You will answer my questions.
(VOCIFEL releases a terrifying blast of energy. AESCHER instinctively raises the Pennatus Aeternus, which shields him from damage.)
VOCIFEL: Hiding behind your sigil again, Firstborn. It was always thus. Even unto the beginning.
AESCHER: (frustrated) Your words are backward. I know nothing of this. Not this sword, not the seal, not you, nor the bitch that bites at your heel—
(VOCIFEL charges AESCHER and lifts him from the ground by the throat.)
VOCIFEL: (trembling with rage) I did not perish when you were first extinguished. Dare speak such words again and we will try the limits of the divine breath in a more final sense, seal or no seal.
AESCHER: (struggling for breath) Kill me, then, if you’re so anxious. Murder seems to be your sole talent.
VOCIFEL: Oh, how treacherous you are. Do you think that you can protect your secret so effortlessly? Provoke me to rage, is that it? Is that your game, to cloud my senses? Oh, no. It is I who will dictate what transpires from here. (VOCIFEL tightens his grip, pulls AESCHER closer.) What lies in Amul’ghan? Tell me.
AESCHER: (gasping) I am Aescher Darcuris, son of Mara Darcuris. I was born in Eidonne, in the Empire of Malhaven. I serve the standard of Baiulus, which sits empty. I continue to ser—
VOCIFEL: Cease this prattle! You will tell me what lies in Amul’ghan and you will lead me through the veil and you will do so without mendacity. Speak!
AESCHER: I am Aescher Darcuris, son of Mara Darcuris. I was born—
(VOCIFEL hurls AESCHER across the room and rises above him, his wings beating with dull swallowing sounds.)
VOCIFEL: I tire of this, Firstborn! You will submit! You will submit or I will reduce that gallery of chattle you keep in tow to ashes. Do not think I have missed your protector. Do you think a mere //ward// can shield you? Vigilel’s legacy will //fail//, as it has already //failed//.
(AESCHER scrambles to stand. His eyes are wild with fear, darting about, desperate for an exit.)
AESCHER: If I was this Firstborn, why would I tell you anything? If I made you, as you claim, why would I not //unmake// you?
VOCIFEL: Such threats were successful in the past, Caelusel, but no longer. You brought me forth to destroy that which you could not. If it was in your power to end me, you would have done so. Your thralls can no longer aid you.
(VOCIFEL descends gradually, his hands burning with white flame.)
VOCIFEL. Enough. You will take me to Amul’ghan. You will open the veil and if you will not give me the secret, I will //burn it from you//.
AESCHER: (sensing his only chance) //Pennatus Tenebrae!//
(The spell strikes the hovering VOCIFEL, who screams with fury. AESCHER flees to escape the chamber, but is trapped by SERAI, who appears from the shadows and seizes him by the collar and pins him against an archway, brandishing the Sammeser over his head.)
VOCIFEL: Serai! Hold him! (VOCIFEL hurries to where they stand.)
(The Pennatus Aeternus begins to glow. AESCHER seems to lose consciousness.)
AESCHER: (softly) Yed’naluk shem halaa, Vocifel…
(VOCIFEL stops his advance and is visibly shaken.)
VOCIFEL: What is this trickery? What kind of //fool// do you take me for?
AESCHER: (louder) Yed’naluk shem halaa endeli forasa…
VOCIFEL: (suddenly frightened) KILL HIM! //KILL HIM NOW!//
(SERAI moves to strike, but is repelled as AESCHER bursts forth with blinding light.)
AESCHER: YED’NALUK SHEM HALAA ENDELI FORASA KETER!
(fade to white)
(It is later. AESCHER wakes in the open air, in a dark forest. It is raining. He attempts to stand, but falls to his knees.)
AESCHER: (racked with sobs) I am Aescher Darcuris. I am— I am Aescher— Dar— The son of Mara—
''Objective''
Fend off the shadows
''Action Checklist''
*Eliminate the shadows
*Defeat Manifest
The story begins as you find yourself standing on a large flat rock, surrounded on all sides by a dense, dark fog. You are Aescher Darcuris, a red-haired young man living in imperial Malhaven. Aescher says nothing as he puzzles over his surroundings. Slowly, the fog pulls away, and dozens of seething shadows surround him. An option will appear on screen to either show or skip the tutorial messages. Once you select your choice, you'll be given control of Aescher. As you move around, you'll notice that the figures draw closer, and the area you have to move around in grows tighter. If you're feeling bold, press the R1 button to pull up the target selector - you'll see quickly that all the entities present are outline in red - that is, hostile! You can select a target, but, being unarmed, you'll be quickly overwhelmed. In fact, even if you do nothing, the shadows will begin to attack you, and you'll see Aescher fall in short order.
<<slider ID [[Sidebar 1]] "HP? What HP?">>
When Aescher inevitably becomes Incapacitated, two more shadow figures will join the fight, but they don't appear to be allied with the others. A female shaped shadow will help you to your feet, and a male shadow will offer you a sword. Bring up the target selector - your new friends will be outlined in green. Select the male figure and then the Action command to take the offered blade.
At this point, the battle becomes a cake-walk. Select any hostile target, and any offensive/defensive ability that looks appealing. Any attack will instantly destroy the shadows, and any defensive ability will nullify their attacks. Beyond learning the target selector, there's no challenge to be found here. Eliminate the rest of the shadows and your allies will vanish.
<<slider ID [[Sidebar 2]] "For Every Action there is an equal and opposite...">>
You've beaten back the hordes of darkness, but this nightmare isn't over. A lone figure remains, and a quick check of the target selector makes it plain he's not here for a spot of tea. In fact, he's the first boss you'll face - good thing he isn't one of the toughest.
!!!Manifest
Challenge: Low
Attack Chains:
Cross Cut (HV)
Reward: None
Manifest is really just here to provide a tutorial for the combat system and familiarize you with Attack Chains. Start out on the defensive. He only uses Horizontal and Vertical attacks, so choose Parry as your defense - it's good for both. If he uses a horizontal or vertical attack, retaliate with anything you're comfortable with. But if he uses Cross Cut, check your menu on the next defense turn for a new selection - Interrupt. The Interrupt command only appears during the opponent's Attack Chain, and will allow you to choose an offensive ability instead, but be careful - offensive abilities will only cancel one type of attack, whereas defensive abilities will block a large number of attack types. Attack Chains will always follow the same order, with one //very important// caveat to be discussed later. Since you know the next attack is going to be a vertical attack, Interrupt with a thrust to punish him! Interrupting recognized chains is the most efficient way to deal damage to your enemies, so always be mindful of the chains a particular enemy is using. Repeat this tactic until Manifest collapses. Once he's incapacitated, you get to make your first decision about what kind of person you are - Manifest won't beg for mercy, but it's up to you to finish the fight or not. If you don't select an attack command within a few seconds, you'll automatically spare him. If you don't feel particularly merciful, feel free to eliminate him now. He'll show up later, and if you kill him now, he'll be easier to defeat then. But keep in mind that the game internally tracks how many "unnecessary" kills you make and adjusts certain plot dialog accordingly.
''Objective''
Buy Florei for the village
''Action Checklist''
*Get Aescher and Cainas' swords
*Head for Herstovei and speak to the herbalist
*Return to Eidonne
After your victory over Manifest, Aescher awakens at home. Watch the scene with his mother, then grab your belongings, being sure to grab your sword and the sacren from a cabinet in the kitchen. Meet Cainas at the door and head for the tavern. Once the scene finishes, head across the tiny village to the forge, where Cainas will be able to reclaim his sword. With that out of the way, leave town and head south, to the Eidonne Forest.
There aren't any foes in the forest, so it's a fairly leisurely walk. Once you're through the forest, look at the entry icon on the world map - it has changed from red to blue, which indicates that you can pass through it without stopping. There are two more areas on this side of the forest. One of them is Herstovei, your destination - the other is the Vindtanz Plain. You can enter Vindtanz at this point if you wish. There are herbs to be picked and you can get your fill of combat with the raiders and poachers. Not all of them are hostile, but if you target them for attack, they won't hesitate to defend themselves. Keep in mind that your level is capped at this point, and don't spend too much time here.
<<slider ID [[Sidebar 3]] "Bust a cap">>
In Herstovei, make your way to the herbalist. He has disappointing news, but tells you he'll help the best he can, and invites you to stop back in two days. You can talk to villagers here for some general information, but you won't miss much if you leave right away. You'll hear a lot of talk about rebellion and the hatred between the Emperor and his brother.
Unless you're keen on taking the scenic route, you can pass right through Eidonne Forest and back into Eidonne. Once you're home, a short scene plays out and the sun goes down on the tiny hamlet.
''Objective''
Make it through the woods
''Action Checklist''
*Follow the wolves to their den
*Defeat the adult wolves
*Run to Herstovei
''Objective''
Search Herstovei for aid
''Action Checklist''
*Meet Evian
*Find healing supplies at the herbalist's shop
*Fight your way out of town
*Return to Cainas
''Objective''
Travel back to Eidonne, and then to Derest
''Action Checklist''
* Return to Eidonne
* Find the imperial sword in Palter's forge
* Stay at Aescher's house overnight
* Travel south to Derest
Political Head: [[Duke Machand]]
Seat:
Population: 11%
Other Nobility: Various unnamed
Cities of Note: Various unnamed
Average Standard of Living: Subsistence/poverty
Resources: Heavy farmland, limited timber
Political Sentiment: Royalist gentry, divided citizenry
"The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire." ~ Marshal Ferdinand Foch
"I'll be more enthusiastic about encouraging thinking outside the box when there's evidence of any thinking going on inside it." ~ Terry Pratchett
Ardor is the RPG project of Derek Adams and Wayne Kelley. Born of a shared love of the RPG epic and a youthful desire to raise the bar, the project was conceived but initially poorly-documented. With the maturation of almost 8 years, it has coalesced into a more cohesive unit and reflects our desire to produce a story which realistically handles character development and relationships. Every effort has been made to strip the project of the ham-fisted delivery and pseudo-psychology seen in most <nowiki>RPGs</nowiki> and inject a healthy dose of reality into an otherwise fantasy world.
Inspired by the storylines of games like Final Fantasy Tactics and Xenogears, but turned off by the empty religious symbolism and deliberate obfuscation of plot points, Ardor was built from the ground up (and occasionally razed to start over) to be a believable world. Ardor asks only for the minimum suspension of disbelief initially, and gradually introducing concepts in a serious, believable manner, focusing on how normal people would react to ideas like being forced to kill other men to survive, or losing a family member. Nowhere in Ardor will you find orcs, elves, or lizardmen. It is our belief that the greatest evil the mind can conceive is found in the human heart, not an anthropomorphic representation.
Ardor also takes on a delicate subject that has rarely, if ever, been handled well in a video game - love and relationships. Instead of awkward teen drama or over the top angst, we have strived to deliver natural dialog and reactions within the characters, and realize that you don't choose to love someone - it's a feeling built of familiarity, comfort, and intimacy. It is our intention that players won't see the "love interest" character as a two dimensional caricature. Likewise, the party dynamic will change over time. In far too many <nowiki>RPGs</nowiki>, once the party is assembled, it's set in stone. Characters in Ardor get mad at, irritate, fight with, confound, forms and break bonds with each other. Sometimes the only thing keeping them together is circumstance, fear, or a lack of better options.
Of course, <nowiki>RPG</nowiki> epics need a healthy amount of the supernatural, as well. Here again, we've taken steps to ensure that the supernatural elements are portrayed in as realistic a manner as can be managed. The party will not randomly find a magic staff of lightning +3 and sell it to a vendor. There are grand concepts, such as powerful ancient beings, men who attempt to rule using the power of gods, and seeds of power within the main characters. The game attempts to keep focus on the characters, and how they react to these things. Yet the characters are human, and at least some of them resort to humor to try to lighten what must seem like terribly depressing events. But never is the humor shoehorned into a script or scene where it doesn't belong. The Ardor script remains free of juvenile gags and contrived one-liners.
Almost a decade has passed since the initial idea was batted around. Many times it was forgotten about for many months, but deep down, Wayne and I knew that we had something special, and the framework was so rich, we couldn't resist digging up the old archives and adding to them, bit by bit. Now this page, which grows more comprehensive by the day, serves to chronicle our efforts at actually making the game. The tools finally exist to create exactly the game we want, without compromise. It's a long way forward, but we're enjoying every minute of it.
-Delzhand (Derek)
The fortress wall of [[Sevesel]] that faces the wastelands of [[Sodomar]].
These entries are incomplete and require significant further work.
The divine breath that allows [[Caelusel]] to animate creations of earth. Used to create the [[Seraphim]] and the [[Tribunal]].
The divine gift bestowed by the power of [[Caelusel]], the [[Firstborn]], upon newly created [[Seraphim]]. This mysterious force granted each new [[Elder]] with unique abilities and sentience as dictated by Caelusel's will. Not much is understood about this most potent of abilities, but it was one allowed to Caelusel alone, and if he knew of its secrets, he did not share them.